A 16-year-old national-level basketball player died after a basketball pole collapsed on him during practice in Rohtak. The incident took place in Lakhan Majra, where the teen, identified as Hardik Rathi, was training when the unstable pole suddenly gave way and fell directly onto him.

Friends and bystanders rushed to help, but Hardik succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him.

Authorities have opened an investigation into the safety of the court’s equipment. Reports indicate that complaints about the deteriorating condition of the pole had been made previously but were not addressed.

After a post-mortem examination, the boy’s body was released to his family.