Video footage captured the terrifying moment a weightlifter was throttled by his 230lb barbell before other gymgoers noticed and rushed to save him.
The horrifying video shows the bodybuilder benching the barbell, before it rolls down onto his neck after he became tired in the middle of a set.
He then attempts to lift the bar, but to no avail, and he starts to choke under the heavyweights. The terrifying incident took place at a gym in Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
Other people in the gym do not immediately notice the gravity of the situation and continue with their workout routines.
It is not until the bodybuilder starts frantically twitching his legs, that a man rushes over to lift the right weight from his neck so that he can breathe.
The weightlifter could be seen benching the barbell before it rolls down onto his neck
The man attempted to lift the bar but to no avail
A woman then rushes to grab the left weight and together they put the bar back in its place.
One of the gymgoers then rushes to get help from a member of staff as the bodybuilder desperately gasps for air.
The Sun reported the man was taken to hospital for further treatment after a member of staff called the emergency services.
Two people rushed over to help lift the bar off the man’s neck
Local people have hit out at the staff at the gym for not identifying the problem instantly, according to The Sun.
According to Consumer Protection Law, operators are responsible for the safety of the goods and services they provide.
Lack of proper supervision, warning signs or failure to provide necessary rescue equipment could potentially lead to a court battle.
