India named 'selfie death capital of the world'


After India was named the selfie death capital of the world, Mumbai is taking precautionary measures.

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The National reports Mumbai has declared 16 "no selfie zones" across the city after learning "19 of the world's 49 recorded deaths from selfies since 2014" occurred in India. About half of the world's selfie-related deaths last year occurred in the country. According to the Associated Press, deaths in the city have occurred from falling and drowning. One Japanese tourist suffered fatal head injuries when he fell down steps after attempting to take a selfie at the Taj Mahal. In another incident, three college students were killed when they attempted to take daring photos in front of an oncoming train.

Mumbai authorities have reacted with selfie laws and fines up to 1,200 rupees or $17.47, The National reported.

Keerti Sachdeva, a psychologist in Mumbai, told The National that she does not expect people’s desire to take selfies to end soon.

“You know people have this sort of feeling in adolescent age, especially that they need to get this acceptance from everyone, that I am a smart person, I am a good-looking person,” she said. “So for acceptance and recognition they are indulging in taking of selfies.”

In related selfie news, another report from last year found that 12 people died while taking selfies compared with eight from shark attacks.

Read more at The National.

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