A terrifying incident unfolded at a gym in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, when a bodybuilder was nearly choked under a 230lb barbell while bench pressing.

In a gym CCTV footage which is making rounds on social media. is showing the weightlifter, whose name has not been released, lost control of the bar, which rolled onto his neck, trapping him and cutting off his air supply.

As the man struggled to lift the heavy barbell off his neck, he began to choke, unable to call for help. It wasn’t until other gym members noticed the distress that they rushed over to assist, lifting the bar and freeing him from the life-threatening situation.

According to reports, a staff member immediately called emergency services. The bodybuilder was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. His current condition remains unknown, but medical experts say prompt intervention likely prevented a more tragic outcome.

The incident has prompted discussions around gym safety and the importance of having a spotter when handling heavy weights.

Gym management has not yet to release an official statement after the CCTV footage leaked.