A 19-year-old gym-goer faces a long recovery after breaking both knees in a horror workout accident.
Horror footage shows Júlia Stefany Cotrim Beserra in apparent agony after the bar on a machine suddenly dropped, pinning her legs to the ground.
The accident happened as she was using a hip thrust machine loaded with 160kg (353lb).
READ MORE: Ex-Bundesliga star dies after horror crash with deer while cycling
In the immediate aftermath, several people nearby rushed over to help her and remove the weight plates.
The freak incident took place in Brasília, Brazil, on 1 April. Witnesses say she fainted from the pain.
She was taken by firefighters to a local hospital, where X-rays and CT scans confirmed fractures in both knees.
She is now on strong medication, including morphine, and is expected to undergo surgery. Doctors say a long and painful recovery lies ahead.
She is likely to be unable to walk for months and will be out of any physical activity for at least a year.
Her lawyer, Marco Vicenzo, has criticised the initial care she received, as reported by Need To Know.
He said: “She was seen at the hospital and then sent home with both knees broken.
“Now the family either has to scrape together the money for private surgery, or I’ll secure it through the courts with an injunction.
“The priority is making sure she gets the operation – then holding those responsible to account.”
Júlia had been working out regularly since 2024 and said she had never had any issues with the machine, despite using it with the same weight.
She believes the belt’s locking mechanism may have failed, causing it to suddenly come loose.
Police are investigating and have not ruled out mechanical failure due to poor maintenance.
The gym said it “remains committed to the safety of its members and will continue cooperating with authorities as the investigation unfolds”.
READ MORE: Showbiz couple die after suspected gas leak at their home
