A British man who has not been named has been hospitalised with serious injuries in Vietnam after climbing on a rock face locals refer to as the ‘Cliff of Death’ and falling while trying to take a selfie on his phone.
The tourist had his left leg crushed following the slip.
The man had reportedly clambered up the rock face and onto a prohibited section of the scenic viewpoint in Xeo Sa Lung village, Pai Lung commune, Meo Vac district on March 17.
He was struck by a rock from above, causing him to fall 2 metres and injure his left leg.
Emergency services were called and first responders from Pai Lung administered first aid to the man. The patient was given pain relief and had bandages and splints on the injured leg.
He was later transferred to a larger hospital in the capital city, Hanoi.
An ambulance then took him to Ha Giang General Hospital for further treatment. His condition was not left threatening.
The Cliff of Death, which near the popular Pi Leng Pass, is dangerous, with many large, unstable boulders stacked on top of one another, officials say.
Tourists often scale the cliff to take photos on a rock formation overlooking a picturesque view, despite the lack of safety rails and the often slippery conditions.
Officials said there were several signs warning tourists not to scale the cliff, as well as fences blocking access to the area, which are regularly disregarded.
Hospital officials said he was in ‘fairly serious condition’, with his left leg crushed in parts and his calf torn.
