Gina Heslop
A 35-year-old tourist from China suffered critical injuries in Sri Lanka after leaning out of a moving train to take photos.
She accidentally hit her head against a tunnel wall, causing severe head and leg injuries. Emergency responders rushed her to Haputale Regional Hospital, and she was later transferred to two other hospitals for specialized treatment.
The accident happened on March 9 while she was traveling from Nanu Oya to Badulla, a scenic route in Sri Lanka’s central hills. According to reports, she was hanging out of the train to capture pictures when the tragic incident occurred. Many tourists in Sri Lanka attempt similar photo stunts, despite warnings from local guides about the dangers.
Following the accident, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka released a statement reminding travelers to stay away from train doors and avoid leaning out for photos. The statement also urged tourists to act responsibly when near railway lines.
A local tour guide told the Chinese media outlet Hongxing News that such incidents are common, with many travelers getting injured or even losing their lives while trying to take risky photos. He suggested that those interested in capturing scenic views should use the Calypso train, which moves at a slower pace and is designed for sightseeing.
This incident is not the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. In February, a 53-year-old Russian tourist lost her life while attempting a similar stunt. She was standing on a train’s footboard to take a selfie when she hit a rock and fell off.
In December 2024, another Chinese tourist was struck by tree branches and fell after hanging her upper body out of a moving train to record a video. Fortunately, she only suffered minor injuries. The same month, an Iranian tourist sustained critical head injuries when she leaned out of a train door near Ohiya and Idalgashinna and collided with a tunnel.
The recent accident has sparked discussions about the risks of prioritizing social media content over personal safety. Many people on social media expressed their concerns, with some sharing their own experiences.
One user admitted that they had once tried leaning out of a train for a “once-in-a-lifetime shot” but later realized how dangerous it was. Others criticized the trend, warning that no picture is worth risking one’s life.
A 2018 study published by the National Library of Medicine highlighted that selfie-related deaths are becoming an increasing problem. Between October 2011 and November 2017, at least 259 people worldwide lost their lives while attempting risky selfies.
The most common causes were falls from heights, drowning, and accidents involving transportation. India had the highest number of cases, followed by Russia, the U.S., and Pakistan.
Another study, published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, reported that between January 2008 and July 2021, around 379 people died while taking selfies.
The average age of the victims was 24.4 years. Experts have suggested that authorities should introduce “no selfie zones” in tourist areas, especially near water bodies, mountain peaks, and tall buildings, to reduce the number of these fatal accidents.
Despite repeated warnings, many travelers continue to engage in risky behavior for the sake of social media fame.
Some online users described the latest accident as a “physical dose of common sense,” while others emphasized the need for stricter safety measures. One person remarked, “Losing your life over a photo is not worth it.”
