A 60-year-old man in China has been left paralysed from the waist down after a suspected equipment failure at a gym, with his family accusing the fitness centre of refusing to hand over CCTV footage of the incident.
The incident reportedly occurred on 9 April at a fitness club in Huaihua, Hunan province, where the man was using a rowing machine when a safety strap allegedly snapped, causing him to be thrown backwards and land heavily on his head.
He suffered severe spinal injuries, including cervical vertebrae fracture and dislocation, and spinal cord trauma. Following a nine-hour emergency surgery, he was admitted to intensive care. Although his vital signs stabilised, he remains incontinent and is unable to move his lower limbs.
Doctors have reportedly warned his family that there is a 90 percent chance he will not recover mobility and may remain wheelchair-bound for life.
The case has sparked further controversy after the victim’s wife claimed the gym has repeatedly refused to provide surveillance footage, citing reasons such as lost passwords, damaged hard drives and administrative approval issues.
She also said medical expenses have already exceeded 80,000 yuan, while the gym has only contributed partial payments for treatment and short-term caregiver support, raising concerns over financial strain on the family.
In response, the gym management reportedly acknowledged some level of responsibility but insisted the incident was not entirely their fault, claiming preliminary checks found no issue with the equipment.
Local police in Huaihua have confirmed they are aware of the case and are handling the matter in accordance with regulations.
Legal experts cited in mainland reports noted that failure to provide CCTV footage may constitute obstruction of evidence, and that the gym could be held fully liable if equipment maintenance negligence is proven. They added that the family may pursue compensation through civil proceedings while also seeking interim financial relief for medical costs.
The case has drawn widespread attention online, raising concerns over gym equipment safety standards and liability in commercial fitness facilities across China.
