Instagram couple slammed for 'irresponsible' train pic

Portuguese couple Raquel and Miguel shared this controversial shot with their 200,000 Instagram followers. Photo / Instagram, @explorerssaurus_

A travel blogging 'influencer' couple has been slammed for posing dangerously off the side of a moving train for an Instagram photo.

Raquel and Miguel, from Portugal, shared the controversial shot with their 200,000 followers on the social media site – but not everyone was impressed by the feat.

The photo was taken on a train travelling through the town of Ella, in Sri Lanka – and shows Miguel kissing Raquel's forehead as she leans back out of the carriage, holding on to its rails.

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We are all on a long journey, with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, experiences to enjoy 🙌🚂 For where are you now 🏠 and where you will go ✈️, for “I’ve always known” 🙋‍♂ and “I told you so” 🙄, for “nothing is happening” 🤷‍♀ and “all has gone wrong” 😭 just go out there 🍃 and don’t wait too long ⌛... No matter what happens, make sure you always enjoy this wonderful ride called life ♥️ When was the last time you went on a trip and where did you go? ✄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄ #travellingourplanet #wondeful_places #bestvacations #living_destinations #travelcouple #togetherforever #coupleshoot #srilanka #srilankatrip #wanderlove

A post shared by RAQUEL & MIGUEL (@explorerssaurus_) on Feb 19, 2019 at 10:08am PST

While the couple claimed the train was "moving super slow" and said it wasn't risky, the photo was taken as they travelled over a bridge – and one wrong move could have seen Raquel falling down a ravine.

While over 43,000 people had liked the post, many were critical of the image.

"You'd risk your life just for a picture? Just so you can upload it on social media? Or do you do this because this give you 'the rush'? How is this sensible?" said one commenter.
"Insanely stupid stunt. You two will end up dead if you keep this clout chasing up," another added.

One called the stunt "irresponsible" and said it would lead to copy-cat acts, while another criticised Miguel for putting his girlfriend in danger by not being the one outside the train.

However, Raquel said on Instagram: "The guy didn't put me in danger, I'm pretty independent, and I do what I feel comfortable with."

They later stated that the train was "almost not moving".

Dangerous social media snaps are a growing trend, according to recent studies – particularly in risky selfie-taking.

A study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care last year found that 259 people worldwide had died while taking selfies since 2011 – most commonly by downing, being hit by traffic or falling.