Tourist Falls Into Mount Vesuvius Crater While Taking Selfie On Forbidden Route

A tourist fell into the crater of Mount Vesuvius after reportedly taking a selfie on a forbidden route.

According to Italian media, the 23-year-old and his family, who were visiting from the USA, ignored signage after bypassing a visitor turnstile and walked along an out-of-bounds path on Saturday (9 July).

The man then attempted to take a selfie at the summit of the volcano - which overlooks the city of Naples - and dropped his phone, before falling as he attempted to retrieve it.

He dropped several metres and a rescue helicopter, police and Vesuvius guides had to be called out, with the latter abseiling down to lift him out.

He subsequently had to be treated for cuts and bruises to his arms and back.

The tourist - as well as the three family members accompanying him - now face criminal charges.

Alamy

While selfies have become a part of daily life for many of us, there is a time and a place for them.

A global study found that 259 people died taking selfies between 2011 and 2017.

The deaths stemmed from 137 separate incidents and the average age of those who died was around 23 - a stat reaffirmed by the latest incident at Mountain Vesuvius.

Almost three quarters of the deaths were men, with transport, drowning and falls among the most common causes of death.

The study, which was conducted by the US National Library of Medicine, also showed the number of selfie-related deaths is increasing, with only three reported in 2011, as opposed to 98 in 2016.

The study was compiled through a comprehensive analysis of news reports, using search terms such as 'selfie deaths', 'selfie accidents' and 'koolfie deaths'.

Pexels/Vanessa Garcia

Researchers say previous studies of selfie deaths did not give accurate results as they compiled findings from sources such as Twitter and Wikipedia. However, the study also suggests the actual number of people who have died taking a selfie could be much higher.

The study states: "It is believed that selfie deaths are underreported and the true problem needs to be addressed.

"Certain road accidents while posing for selfies are reported as death due to Road Traffic Accident.

"Thus, the true magnitude of the problem is underestimated. It is therefore important to assess the true burden, causes, and reasons for selfie deaths so that appropriate interventions can be made."

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