Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: An outstation vehicle mistakenly drove over a five-step staircase inside the compound of St. Theresa of Jesus Church at Chaudi on Saturday evening after blindly following Google Maps directions.
The car, a white vehicle bearing registration TS09 FR3608, entered the church compound via the correct right-side access road. However, while attempting to exit onto the main NH-66 road, the driver tried to descend the compound’s front porch staircase, designed only for pedestrian use.
The five-step staircase connects the elevated church compound to NH-66 below. The car’s front caught on the last step, trapping the vehicle and causing surprise among onlookers.
“The driver said he was following Google directions to reach the main road,” sources said.
The vehicle had earlier been parked near the old Chaudi Bus Stand before taking a narrow road behind the Municipal Garden, which runs parallel to NH-66, as per the GPS instructions.
Local residents came to assist, pulling the vehicle back onto the compound safely. The driver was then guided correctly to the main road to continue towards Margao.
This incident highlights the risks of relying solely on navigation apps without situational awareness, especially in areas with narrow lanes and pedestrian-only zones.
