Australian man in coma after 'planking' accident

Australian man in coma after 'planking' accident

2011-05-19 08:06:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA (BNO NEWS) -- An Australian man is in an induced coma after a suspected planking accident in northern New South Wales, the Australian Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old man sustained serious head injuries after being thrown from a car during a suspected planking accident on Monday night. It is believed Simon Hallam was planking on the boot of the speeding car.

"Planking" involves a person lying straight, face down, with the arms beside the body and fists tightly clenched, impersonating a plank, preferably in a bizarre location. The results are then posted on the internet, specially on social networking sites.

The driver of the car was charged with three offenses, including dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm, and negligent driving. The 19-year-old man was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 16.

Police officers are said to be examining mobile phone footage of the incident.

Last weekend, an Australian man fell seven storeys to his death when participating in the internet craze. The 20-year-old was in a unit in Brisbane when he tried to "plank" on the rail of a veranda but fell off.

"He has tragically lost his footing and fallen to the ground below. It is what we've been fearing," Queensland Deputy Police Commissioner Ross Barnett said.

Police also arrested last week a Gladstone man who was photographed "planking" on the back of a police car.

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