'Death by selfie' is on the rise with 43 people killed every year

The number of people who are killed while taking selfies in dangerous locations is on the rise, according to a new report. Photo / Getty Images

The number of people who are killed while taking selfies in dangerous locations is on the rise, according to a new report.

An average of 43 people per year have died while taking selfies since 2011, with drowning and falls among the biggest killers.

The study shows that men account for seven in 10 of these fatalities, while millennial daredevils - those aged 20-29 - make up almost half of selfie deaths.

Scientists suggest "no selfie" zones should be established across the globe to curtail the epidemic of accidental deaths.

A number of popular tourist spots in India have already implemented selfie bans this year following a string of recent fatalities.

Study lead author Dr Agam Bansal, from the India Institute of Medical Sciences, said: "Selfies are themselves not harmful, but the human behaviour that accompanies selfies is dangerous.

"Individuals need to be educated regarding certain risky behaviours and risky places where selfies should not be taken. 'No selfie zones' should be declared across many areas, especially near water bodies, mountain peaks, and over tall buildings, to decrease the incidence of selfie-related deaths."

Researchers conducted the largest ever review of fatalities caused by posing for self-shot photographs.

They analysed newspaper clippings from English-speaking nations from across the world, noting the gender, age and cause of death of each victim.

In total, the team documented some 259 selfie-linked deaths worldwide between October 2011 and November 2017.

Drowning (70), being struck by a vehicle (51) or suffering a fall (48) were the most common causes of death.