Japan schoolgirl speared in head by javelin

An athlete throws a javelin during a track and field event. A Japanese schoolgirl is in intensive care after being speared in the head by a javelin while taking part in track and field training

A Japanese schoolgirl was in intensive care Tuesday after being speared in the head by a javelin while taking part in track and field training, an official said. The 2.6 metre (8 ft 6 ins) javelin became lodged in the 15-year-old's head after being thrown by a student on campus at Fukuyama Heisei University in western Hiroshima prefecture on Monday, the university official said. The girl was training at the university with a group of fellow high school students when the accident happened. Rescuers cut the shaft off the 800-gram (28-ounce) javelin before taking her to hospital. "She will have to stay in the intensive care unit for about two weeks," said the official, adding the injury was not thought to be life-threatening.