Girl falls to death in Dubai while taking selfie

A girl fell to her death from the balcony of her family's apartment in Dubai while trying to take a picture of herself on Saturday.

The Asian girl, 16, was stood on a chair on the balcony of the 17th floor flat, attempting to take a selfie with the emirate's skyline in the background.

She lost her balance and fell over the barrier, plummeting to her death. The girl's sister witnessed the tragic accident and reported it to police.

The incident took place at Al Kharbash Tower, a 36-storey residential building on Sheikh Zayed Road.

On Saturday, Dr Faisal Al Qasim, head of the media department with Dubai Police, called on parents to watch their children and for the public to be careful when taking pictures in dangerous settings.

"We always warn people about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving .. but [on Saturday] we witnessed a different tragic incident of a girl because of a selfie," he told radio station ARN News.

"Therefore we urge members of the public to be careful when doing such actions and for parents to monitor their children at all times."

One tenant, who asked not to be named, believed the girl may have been attempting to capture a picture with Burj Khalifa in the background.

"I only knew of the incident today and was surprised how it happened because the balconies of the building are solid and have tall barriers.

"I heard it happened in an apartment which partially overlooks Sheikh Zayed Road, with a part of Burj Khalifa showing. Maybe she leaned back to get more of the landmark in her picture."

Last year it was reported at least 259 people died while taking a selfie.

Researchers at the US National Library of Medicine recommend that 'no selfie zones' should be introduced at dangerous spots – such as mountains, tall buildings and lakes – to reduce deaths.