If you think standing at the edge of a scenic cliff or beside a waterfall or leaning out of a train to take a selfie is fun, think twice. They kill. More and more. Every day.
Indeed killfies are on the rise. How did selfies begin? The 1st known self-portrait was a daguerreotype Robert Cornelius took way back in 1839. The term made its online appearance in 2002, thanks to a post from Australia.
Between 2008 and 2021, a staggering 379 lives were lost because of hazardous selfies, with many more left severely injured while attempting risky shots, mostly in scenic spots. Wikipedia has kept a record of each incident countrywise.
Topping the global list is India with an unbelievable 134 selfie deaths since 2014, far exceeding other nations. That does not include Indians who have died in other countries, like an Indian who tumbled off the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland in 2019.
America has recorded 25 selfie-related deaths, the result of various thrill-seeking activities -- extreme sports, close calls with wild animals, tragic falls from cliffs, especially the Grand Canyon, and high-rise buildings.
The former USSR comes 3rd -- 15 selfie-related fatalities. Most of these sad incidents were dangerous stunts -- like scaling balconies, falling off bridges, or posing near Metro tracks.
Like its neighbour, Pakistanis love selfies a bit too much. 14 Pakistanis were lost to this pastime. One on a train track, others on bridges, quite a few beside fast-miving rivers.
6 people have died over the years in Mexico attempting selfies that should never be attempted, next to trains, in restricted dam areas, in the path of a plane.
Spain has had 5 killfies, a few occurring on the country’s tallest bridges, or even narrow ledges along high staircases etc.
Risky selfie adventures have resulted in the demise of 5 too in Italy. One was swept away by a wave in Amalfi. Another fell down a waterfall. A few fell off cliffs and plunged to their death.
5 have died in the island country, a few of them were visitors at picturesque spots. Cliffs and train tracks were the enemies.
Pics taken around breathtaking coastal cliffs or near iconic historic landmarks, where visitors push boundaries for the ideal shot caused 4 selfie-related fatalities.
4 selfie-related deaths too happened in the Philippines. Locales of some of the deaths were volcano rims, rugged mountain peaks, steep cliffs.