A woman from Los Angeles, Nina Bakshi, faced a terrifying experience while celebrating her birthday in Cancun when she fell off a bridge during an ATV ride, resulting in severe injuries.
During her vacation in Mexico, Bakshi suffered significant fractures in both her spine and neck after a dramatic fall on a secluded ATV trail.
Shockingly, mobile phone footage documented the moment of her fall, with her boyfriend heard shouting for her once she hit the ground.
Rescue efforts involved strapping her to a board and carrying her for about 30 minutes through a remote area, but according to Bakshi, no ambulance arrived to assist.
Eventually, she was transported by truck to two different hospitals. Reports indicate that doctors would not provide treatment until she paid 420,000 Mexican pesos, roughly $24,000.
“The worst part of the fall happened before I had surgery,” Bakshi shared. “There were many obstacles.”
Lacking travel insurance, Bakshi had to max out her credit cards as family and friends rushed to gather funds for her medical care.
“The accident was excruciating, but trying to navigate the medical system for surgery while facing the possibility of paralysis was incredibly challenging and frightening,” she recounted. “I remember my brother pleading with the doctors for painkillers, saying, ‘Just give us the painkillers,’ but they would not oblige.”
It took doctors about 28 hours post-accident to operate on her hip.
After evaluating her injuries, medical staff informed Bakshi that she was fortunate to have landed on a leaf, which may have softened her fall and helped prevent lasting paralysis.
“My perspective on life has changed now,” she said. “I feel grateful to be alive and to be able to walk again. Hopefully, that will be soon.”
Doctors suggest she might return to Los Angeles within two weeks, but she’ll need to wear a neck brace for five months and undergo extensive physical therapy before regaining normal mobility.
A GoFundMe campaign established to help with her mounting medical expenses has already raised over $47,000 as of Sunday evening.
