In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in Wuhan, Hubei province, a 25-year-old man tragically lost his life while working out at a local gym. The catastrophic event transpired as the young man, identified as Zhang, attempted to lift a formidable 100-kilogram barbell. Tragically, the weight proved too much to bear, and it fell onto Zhang’s neck, leaving him trapped beneath its crushing burden. Despite his desperate struggles to free himself, Zhang’s efforts were in vain, ultimately leading gym staff to rush to his aid.
Despite the swift response of the gym staff and Zhang’s subsequent transport to the hospital, his life could not be saved. The grim incident occurred during an afternoon workout session on September 14, casting a pall of sorrow over the gym and its patrons.
Zhang had recorded his ill-fated workout session, providing a chilling glimpse into the tragic sequence of events. The video footage showed him initially seated on a weightlifting bench, preparing to lift the imposing barbell in a vertical motion. However, as he attempted the lift, his trembling arms betrayed his struggle with the weight. In a harrowing split-second, the barbell slipped from his chest, crashing onto his neck. Despite his frantic attempts to raise the barbell and return it to its rack, Zhang’s efforts were futile. Determined to fight for his life, he struggled to unbuckle his weightlifting belt, but the barbell’s immense weight proved insurmountable.
In the closing moments of the 29-second video, Zhang summoned his last reserves of strength, attempting to lift his legs in a desperate bid to dislodge the barbell. Tragically, the equipment remained immovable, continuing to bear down on his neck. More than two and a half agonizing minutes passed before anyone realized the gravity of Zhang’s predicament. Two gym employees finally rushed to his aid, lifting the crushing barbell and transporting him to the hospital. Sadly, Zhang succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The incident has raised pressing questions about the Pacific Fitness Club, the gym where this tragic event occurred. The spokesperson for the fitness center has not provided an explanation for the absence of staff supervision while Zhang was using such high-risk weightlifting equipment. In response, the police have launched an urgent investigation to determine whether the gym was negligent in fulfilling its safety obligations.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with intense gym workouts. It follows another tragic case where a young bodybuilder suffered fatal injuries after a 210-kilogram barbell fell on him, resulting in a broken neck, as reported by Khaosod.
Our thoughts are with Zhang’s family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.
