A 25-year-old man in China met a tragic end after a weightlifting accident inside a gym in Wuhan, Hubei province. The victim, identified as Mr. Zhang, was attempting to bench press over 100kg without a spotter when disaster struck. A distressing 29-second video captured the horrifying moment when the barbell, loaded with weights, rolled from his chest to his neck, pinning his head to the bench.
As the barbell pressed against his neck, Mr. Zhang desperately struggled to free himself but was unable to do so. After approximately 25 seconds of struggling, he began having violent spasms and eventually went limp. Shockingly, it took more than a minute before someone noticed his distress. Gym employees finally rushed to his aid and successfully lifted the barbell off him, but it was too late. Mr. Zhang was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
The incident has raised questions about the necessity of spotters during weightlifting exercises. Both Mr. Zhang and the gym in Wuhan are now under investigation the police. This tragedy is not the first of its kind, with a similar incident occurring in July in Indonesia. Mr. Justyn Vicky, a 33-year-old fitness influencer, lost his life while performing a shoulder lift with a barbell weighing close to 210kg.
In light of these incidents, it is crucial to remember the importance of safety precautions when engaging in weightlifting exercises. Lifting heavy weights without a spotter or proper training can have severe consequences. It is recommended to always have a spotter present when attempting challenging lifts to prevent accidents and potentially life-threatening injuries.
Sources:
– China Press
– Wuhan Pafik Fitness Club
