A tragic incident occurred when a hiker fell to his death while attempting to take a selfie during a mountain trek. The 31-year-old man, known as Mr. Hong, was part of a group hiking at Mount Nama in Sichuan province, China. Reports indicate that he slipped near a crevasse after removing his safety rope to take photos on the snowy mountain peak on September 25.
Witnesses mentioned that Mr. Hong lost control as he plummeted 200 meters down the mountain, without an ice axe, while fellow hikers looked on helplessly. Video footage circulated on social media captured the moment of his fall from the 5,588-meter peak.
Despite emergency services’ immediate response, Mr. Hong was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was later taken to Gongga Mountain Town. His cousin stated that it was his first attempt at hiking on that mountain.
The hiker slid more than 200 meters and landed on rocky terrain at approximately 5,300 meters above sea level, as reported by Daily Goat. Authorities from the Kangding Municipal Education and Sports Bureau revealed that the hiking group had not informed anyone of their plans or obtained necessary climbing permits.
An official noted that Mr. Hong tripped over his crampons, metal spikes on hiking boots for icy surfaces, and highlighted that his actions violated safety regulations. The official emphasized that had he not removed the crampons or undone the safety rope, the tragedy might have been averted.
It was clarified by the Sichuan Mountaineering Association that Mr. Hong was not a professional guide, contrary to online rumors. Police are currently investigating the incident.
In a separate incident earlier this year, a tourist lost her life on a famous rail line in Sri Lanka as she leaned out of a train to take a selfie. Olga Perminova, aged 53, suffered fatal head injuries after hitting a rock. She was seen in a pink dress leaning out from the train shortly before the accident.
Perminova was aboard the Podi Menike train, known for its breathtaking scenery passing through tea plantations, forests, mountainous regions, and picturesque landscapes. A local report stated that she fell off the train while trying to take a selfie hanging from the footboard between the Badulla and Hali Ela railway stations. The impact with a rock caused severe injuries leading to her tragic death.
The train was en route to Ella, where the famed Nine Arches Bridge is located, offering one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries. Perminova was part of a Russian tour group visiting Sri Lanka.
