Google Maps is pretty useful. Tourists to a new destination rely on it to check where they are going. Since it first came out, it has evolved into more than just a web mapping service. It even inspired a number of companies to come up with their own digital maps and make mobile apps for them. Unfortunately, Google Maps or any online or offline map apps are not perfect. They’re reliable most of the time but there are some people unlucky to be given the wrong directions for whatever reason.
This is what happened to a demolition crew who made a mistake of demolishing the wrong house. In the town of Rowlett, Texas, a home owner called the Billy L. Nabors Demolition guys to take down his house damaged by a recent tornado. The team checked Google Maps for directions. Off they went to the address, saw a duplex with damage, and then did their job. It was supposed to be a normal work day but sadly (or unluckily), it was the wrong house. The address they were supposed to go was on the other street.
It shouldn’t be a big deal because there was damage everywhere in the area anyway. Lindsay Diaz and Alan Cutter, homeowners of the mistakenly demolished house could have thanked the company for the “free” service but they were still in the process of estimating cost of repairs to the duplex. They filed a police report for documentation. They are now looking to rebuild the duplex and are waiting on their insurance.
What’s done is done. Clearly, it was a mistake on the demo guys part but they are blaming Google Maps for the error. This only proves that technology is not always reliable. It’s not perfect. Google Maps is okay when you’re about to visit a new place but when you’re about to do something big, important, and damaging such as a demolition job, make sure you have the correct address and are in the right place. Confirm. Verify. It’s okay to ask around. And yes, Google doesn’t know everything.
VIA: SlashGear
SOURCE: WFAA
“Clearly, it was a mistake on the demo guys part but they are blaming Google Maps for the error.”
Of course they are…
Too bad for them that no court in the Country is going to give that excuse more than a passing chuckle.
Not completely Googles fault; their truck got lost.
Could have been worst. They may have been using Apple Maps.
This is why all the EULA’s offer no warranty, and indemnification against any errors made by the software. People rely and trust technology a little too much.
Wait until Google develops a self-driving excavator…