The men’s heptathlon at the World Athletics Indoor Championships took a dramatic turn after an unexpected incident during the 1,000m race in Toruń, Poland.

Jose Fernando Ferreira was struck by a stray pole mid-race, forcing the Brazilian to crash to the track in a shocking moment that stunned spectators.

The 26-year-old had been competing in the grueling multi-event discipline when the incident occurred. His race coincided with the men’s pole vault event, and a misplaced pole suddenly entered his path, catching him off guard.

Ferreira, unable to avoid the object, was hit while running and fell heavily, bringing his race to an abrupt halt.

The unusual and unfortunate collision highlighted the unpredictable nature of combined events, where multiple disciplines often take place simultaneously within the indoor arena.