India Records Highest Number of Selfie-Related Deaths, Followed by the U.S.

In the age of social media, selfies have become a popular way to capture memories — but this seemingly harmless act can turn deadly. A recent study reveals that India has recorded the highest number of selfie-related deaths over the past decade, with the United States following in second place.

The data comes from a study conducted by U.S.-based law firm Barber Law, which analyzed selfie-related incidents reported on Google News between March 2014 and May 2025. According to the New York Post, India tops the list as the most dangerous hotspot for selfies, recording 217 incidents resulting in 214 deaths and 57 injuries during this period.

Researchers attribute this high fatality rate to the easy access to risky locations—such as railway tracks, cliffs, and rooftops—and the growing culture of sharing daring selfies on social media platforms.

In the United States, there were 45 selfie-related accidents during the same time frame, leading to 37 deaths and 8 injuries. Russia ranked third with 18 deaths, followed by Pakistan with 16, and Australia with 13 fatalities and 2 injuries.

The study found that falls from rooftops, cliffs, and high-rise structures are the leading cause of selfie-related deaths, accounting for about 46% of the total fatalities. Europe has also seen several tragic incidents recently. In May, a 48-year-old man died after falling from the eighth floor of a hotel in the Canary Islands while trying to take a selfie. Earlier this month, a tourist in Athens, Greece, was killed after strong winds swept him off a mountaintop church while taking a photo.

This research serves as a stark reminder: no photo is worth risking your life.