Queensland teen fighting for life after bench press exercise goes wrong
A young boy is in a critical condition after a freak gym accident at a Police Citizens Youth Club in Queensland.
Ben Shaw, 15, was working out alone on Tuesday when a heavy weight dropped on his neck at the club in Pine Rivers, north of Brisbane.
Police are investigating how the accident happened.
PCYC Queensland chief executive Phil Schultz said it was a “terrible accident” and everyone at the PCYC “has been impacted by it”.
"Our hearts go out to his family and friends and the wider community and we're offering counselling and ongoing support to anyone impacted by this," he said.
Ben weighs 65kg and Seven News has been told the teen was pushing 98kg on a bench press when the bar came down on his neck and pinned him.
It was 20 minutes before a staff member found him and by the time paramedics arrived he was in cardiac arrest.
That was when his mum arrived to pick him up.
Mr Schultz said Work Safe Queensland was contacted after the incident occurred and they are investigating.
The PCYC gym rules online state children under 16 years of age “are not permitted to use weights equipment without proper supervision”.
Science of Fitness’ Kieran Maguire warned gym-goers not to lift alone.
"Take a friend, have someone with you, even if it's just a random, someone else in the gym, just make sure you're not going heavy on your own,” he said.
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Ben had competed in the Queensland Schools Weightlifting Championships.
On Wednesday, he remains on life support at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital with his family by his side.
The PCYC is offering them, and his friends, its full support.
PCYC Pine Rivers will remain closed until further notice.
