A Brazilian man has survived after a 2m steel rod fell from above and pierced his head, The BBC has reported.

The rod was removed from his skull in Rio de Janeiro hospital after five hours of surgery.

He was said to suffer no adverse consequences and has experienced little pain.

Doctors say, he narrowly escaped partial paralysis and loss of an eye.

The rod fell from the fifth floor pierced hard hat, then the back of his skull, before exiting between his eyes. He was said to be conscious when he arrived there and explained what had happened to him.

Doctors pull the metal bar out from the front in the same direction it entered the brain.

The victim is expected to stay in hospital for another two weeks, and will be given antibiotics to avoid risk of infection.