Selfies have killed more people than sharks attacks in 2015

The phenomenon of taking selfies that has plagued humanity is now officially deadlier than shark attacks.

According to Conde Nast, shark attacks have claimed fewer lives than the self-indulgent practice of selfies in 2015.

In fact, there have only been eight confirmed shark-related deaths so far in 2015, but the number of selfie-related fatalities stands at 11.

The narcissistic endeavour has become so deadly that there is a dedicated page on Wikipedia documenting a list of selfie-related injuries and deaths.

Many of these deaths could have been easily preventable. In June, two men blew themselves up with a grenade by accident (of course) while trying to take a selfie at the Ural Mountains. The phone, and the selfie shot, survived the blast.

Most recently in September, a 66-year-old Japanese tourist visiting India's Taj Mahal monument fell while taking a selfie and suffered a heart attack, dying as a result.

The recent spate of tragic selfie-related deaths has prompted several governments and regulatory bodies to warn their citizens about selfies, Reuters reported. Russia's Interior Ministry had launched a campaign in early 2015 warning the dangers of taking selfies, the same report added.

Business website MarketWatch analysed 18 selfie deaths over the past two years and categorised five common activities that have been associated with selfie-fatalities:

5. Posing while at risk in nature (Bull goring, drowning) -- 6 per cent each

4. Posing while operating a vehicle (motorcycle, airplane) -- 11 per cent

3. Posing while on a train roof, or running in front of a train -- 17 per cent

2. Posing with a gun or other weapon -- 22 per cent

1. Posing while standing on a dangerous ledge, cliff or bridge -- 39 per cent

Click through the gallery to see the list of selfie-related injuries and deaths in 2015.

grongloh@sph.com.sg