diff --git a/utils/mapnik-index/process_geojson_file_x3.cpp b/utils/mapnik-index/process_geojson_file_x3.cpp
index d0472738e..c55989bc7 100644
--- a/utils/mapnik-index/process_geojson_file_x3.cpp
+++ b/utils/mapnik-index/process_geojson_file_x3.cpp
@@ -316,6 +316,11 @@ std::pair<bool,typename T::value_type::first_type> process_geojson_file_x3(T & b
                 }
             }
         }
+        else if (validate_features)
+        {
+            if (verbose) std::clog << "Invalid bbox encountered " << item.first << std::endl;
+            return std::make_pair(false, extent);
+        }
     }
     return std::make_pair(true, extent);
 }