Nina Bakhshi: US tourist breaks spine, nearly paralysed after falling off bridge while riding ATV in Cancun
The 28-year-old had no travel insurance and was left thousands of dollars out of pocket for life-saving emergency surgery.
A US makeup artist has shared the terrifying ordeal that left her nearly paralysed after an ATV accident in Mexico.
Nina Bakhshi was celebrating her birthday with friends in Cancun, Mexico when a freak accident left her with life-changing injuries.
The Los Angeles’ woman was riding on an ATV when it plunged off a bridge on a remote trail.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Confronting footage captured the moment it all unfolded. Ms Bakhshi is heard screaming while her boyfriend yells after her from the bridge.
Despite the life-threatening situation, Ms Bakhshi said an ambulance never arrived.
“The park did not have proper emergency equipment, and I had to be carried for nearly 30 minutes before waiting for an ambulance that never arrived,” she said in a GoFundMe post.
“Eventually, I was transported by truck nearly an hour to a hospital.”
The fall left Ms Bakhshi with severe fractures to her spine and neck, and she had to undergo emergency spinal surgery 28 hours after the accident.
Unfortunately, Ms Bakhshi had no travel insurance, leaving her thousands of dollars out of pocket.
“I did not have travel insurance, and the local insurance policy of the park did not cover my emergency surgery,” she said.
“My friends and family came together immediately to save my life, maxing out credit cards, lending money, and helping cover the cost of my surgery and hospitalization which took a lot longer since it was a weekend.”
Thankfully, doctors were able to save Ms Bakhshi’s lower back and the 28-year-old is still able to move her legs.
“With proper treatment, physical therapy, and aftercare, I hope to walk normally again,” she said.
Although emergency surgery prevented Ms Bakhshi from being paralysed, she said her recovery is “far from over”.
“I still have untreated fractures in my neck, ongoing medical expenses, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, medications, and a long healing journey ahead,” she said. “At this time, I am unable to walk normally or return to work.”
In a video posted to TikTok, Ms Bakhshi shared her experience and highlighted the importance of insurance.
“I’m sharing my story to tell you to first of all, get travel insurance when you travel.”
She also warned of the dangers of ATV rides in Mexico, adding that “someone else has also fallen down” on the same bridge.
