In a shocking incident in East Java, Indonesia, a 61-year-old man narrowly escaped death after driving his BMW off an unfinished flyover while following Google Maps directions.
The driver, identified as Rudie Heru Komandono, was reportedly en route to a friend’s house on April 9 when the mishap occurred. Despite being rerouted by the navigation app to avoid the incomplete highway, Rudie missed a crucial exit and accidentally entered a restricted construction area near Gresik, East Java.
According to Daily Mail, Rudie drove through a gap in a concrete barrier and continued onto the unfinished bridge. With no warning signs or clear visibility, the vehicle plunged off the edge of the flyover and dropped nearly 40 feet to the road below.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
So Rudi (61) here in Indonesia plummeted from an unfinished bridge after following instructions from Google Maps.
Both he and his passenger sustained only minor injuries attesting to the safety features and durability of the BMW he was driving💪💪@eagleeye2805 pic.twitter.com/5JWF43u2v5
— Pete Liquid Питик (@PeteLiquid) April 9, 2025
Miraculously, Rudie and his passenger survived with only minor injuries. The incident was captured on video, showing the car falling from the bridge just seconds after several other vehicles passed by the spot.
“The road suddenly became dark and there were no other cars. Then I realised there was a problem when the car started falling and crashed on the ground,” Rudie told Daily Mail. “My friend said she is not getting in the car with me again. But it was not my fault. I was trying to follow the GPS on my phone, but it was confusing. I’m worried about the insurance for the car. I don’t think it can be repaired.”
Inspector Aswoko of the Gresik Police confirmed that Rudie had entered a restricted area through a gap in the barrier. “The driver and passenger have been treated by a doctor at the hospital and did not suffer serious injuries. They have been allowed to go home,” he said.
Following the incident, authorities sealed the barrier and began installing warning signs to prevent similar accidents. “Traffic officers have taken measures to prevent an incident from happening again. The construction company will also be interviewed to discover why the bridge was not fully sealed off,” Inspector Aswoko added.
This is not the first time confusing GPS directions have led to disaster. A similar tragedy in India last year claimed three lives when a car drove off an unfinished bridge while following outdated navigation routes.
