A pregnant woman was trapped under a car that had been lifted with a jack for several hours, according to reports. The incident occurred when the vehicle toppled from the jack, pinning the woman underneath. Emergency services were called to the scene and worked to free her.
Such cases of extraordinary strength, often termed 'hysterical strength,' have been documented in rare situations where individuals lift heavy objects to save others. In 2012, Lauren Kornacki lifted a BMW off her father in Virginia, and in 2005, Tom Boyle hoisted a Camaro to free a cyclist in Arizona. These feats involve lifting only a portion of the vehicle, not the entire weight.
Scientists explain that hysterical strength is possible because humans typically use only about 60% of their muscle capacity during maximal exercise, with safety mechanisms limiting full output. In life-threatening situations, the body may recruit more motor units, allowing for temporary superhuman strength. However, the actual weight lifted is often less than reported, as the vehicle's weight is distributed and only a part is raised.
