Nursing Student Survives Pole Impalement in Freak Accident

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A 22-year-old nursing student in California, Janina Akporavbare, miraculously survived after a pole flew into her car on the 10 Freeway in San Bernardino, impaling her in the stomach. Akporavbare was rushed to the hospital with a 1% chance of survival, but after three surgeries and nearly two months of recovery, she is now on the road to healing, though facing significant medical bills and trauma from the incident.

Why it matters

This freak accident highlights the dangers that drivers can face on the roads, even from unexpected hazards like loose debris. Akporavbare's story also underscores the importance of access to quality healthcare, as her survival was dependent on the quick response of emergency services and the skilled treatment she received at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

The details

On August 25, Akporavbare was driving on the 10 Freeway when a long pole suddenly flew into her car, impaling her in the stomach. With her younger brother in the backseat, Akporavbare managed to pull over, with the pole still dragging from her vehicle. Firefighters arrived and cut the pole, then rushed her to the hospital, where doctors gave her a 1% chance of survival. Akporavbare underwent three major surgeries to repair damage to her colon, liver, and kidney, and spent nearly two months recovering at the medical center.

• On August 25, the pole flew into Akporavbare's car on the 10 Freeway in San Bernardino.
• Akporavbare was rushed to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where she spent nearly two months recovering from her injuries.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Akporavbare and her attorney are working to determine the source of the pole that struck her car, in hopes of finding some answers and closure around the incident.