Powerlifter dies at 17 after 595-pound barbell breaks her neck
A powerlifting champion died after getting her neck crushed by a 595-pound (270 kg) barbell during training. She was 17.
According to a report by local outlet Times of India, Yashtika Acharya broke her neck during a practice session at a gym located at Bikaner district in Rajasthan.
Citing Vikram Tiwari, the station house officer at Naya Shahar, the media outlet stated that the accident happened while she was being supervised by her trainer, who was also left with minor injuries.
"Yashtika was lifting weights at the gym, Power Headquarters, under her trainer's supervision. During the attempt, she suddenly lost balance, and the bar came crashing down on her neck," he told reporters.
"Fellow gym members quickly rushed to remove the weight, while her coach tried CPR, but she showed no signs of recovery," he added.
The athlete was brought to the nearest hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Acharya's family did not file a complaint in line with what happened.
A post-mortem examination has been completed, and her body was released to her relatives on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Acharya won gold in weightlifting at the Junior National Games. She also placed first at the National Bench Press Championship in the sub-junior category (84 kg and above).
