Truck following Google Maps strays into village, rams house in Odisha’s Bhadrak

A truck en route from Cuttack to Dhamra port veered off the main road and rammed into a residential house in the Chandbali area of Bhadrak district early Thursday after the driver allegedly lost his way in dense fog while relying on Google Maps for navigation, police said.

The incident took place in Patrasahi village on the Bhadrak–Chandbali main road. According to sources, the truck was heading towards Dhamra port during the early morning hours when visibility dropped sharply due to thick fog. With road signs and turns barely visible, the driver, who was unfamiliar with the route, continued driving by following GPS directions.

While navigating a turn near Digachhia Chhak, the vehicle was diverted from the main road into a narrow internal village stretch. Locals said the heavy truck entered the village lane and proceeded deep inside the habitation before the driver realised the mistake.

Narrow Lane Leads To Collision

Reports added that the village road was too narrow for a heavy commercial vehicle. As the truck attempted to turn around inside the village, it failed to manoeuvre due to space constraints and eventually rammed into a house.

The vehicle struck the asbestos-roofed house of a local resident, identified as Ramesh Das, causing partial damage to the structure. Household items were reportedly damaged, though no injuries were reported as family members managed to move out in time.

Fog Cited As Key Factor

Sources indicated that dense fog played a critical role in the incident, with visibility reduced to very low levels in the area during the early hours. The driver reportedly lost visual cues of the roadway and continued driving by ‘blindly following’ the navigation app, which led the truck into the village interior.

Residents gathered at the spot following the collision and informed the police. Police personnel reached the scene, calmed local residents and initiated efforts to clear the obstruction.

ALSO READ: Dense fog strands ferry in Chilika, passenger reported missing

The truck was later recovered from the spot and taken to the police station for further inquiry. Police said that further investigation is ongoing and confirmed that no loss of life had taken place.