This Saturday, October 25, 2025, late in the afternoon, a woman in her sixties fell approximately seven meters, along the Auray river, in Morbihan. While trying to take a selfie, she lost her balance due to the slippery terrain.
A selfie… which turns into a brutal accident
According to information reported by West Francethe walker would have taken a few steps back before falling into the void.
Seriously injured in the head and suffering from multiple fractures, notably in the wrist and hip, she was rescued by firefighters and a team from the Reconnaissance and Intervention Group in Perilous Environments (Grimp). Conscious upon their arrival, she reached Vannes hospital in serious condition.
This tragic episode is not isolated: every year, several dozen similar accidents occur around the world.
Studies show that selfie-related falls particularly affect tourists and young women, often in search of the perfect shot. By focusing on the image, the immediate danger is often overlooked.
The dangers of selfies recalled by Dr Kierzek
Emergency doctor Gérald Kierzek regularly sounds the alarm on this phenomenon. “Many of these young people are obsessed with the ‘perfect selfie’. Result: they climb to the top of a building or a cliff, don’t pay attention, back up and it’s an accident. But even a fairly trivial fall can have serious consequences.“, he emphasizes.
According to him, the search for a spectacular photo sometimes leads to risky behavior, both among young people and adults.
“People drive and take selfies, for example. Once again here, they are looking for the perfect image, the one that will generate buzz. We must therefore use common sense, minimize the risks and above all take a sufficient step back to ask ourselves what is the point of taking these photos.”.
Here are some tips for safe selfies
To avoid further drama, here are some simple but essential rules:
- Always check your surroundings before striking a pose;
- Avoid photographing yourself near an empty space, a body of water or a road;
- Never back away from looking at your phone screen;
- And above all, remember that no photo is worth a life.
Dr Kierzek invites everyone to regain awareness of the present moment: taking a photo should never make you forget your own safety.