WARNING: CONTAINS DISTURBING FOOTAGE
Footage showing a young child being dragged underneath a Peloton treadmill has been released, amid warnings about the safety of the machines.
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The terrifying clip was released by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as it warns consumers about the 'danger of the popular Peloton Tread+ exercise machine', following 'multiple incidents' involving small children and a pet being pulled under the equipment.
In the video, we see a boy playing with a large, pink ball near the moving Peloton Tread+, which a girl is walking on.
His ball suddenly gets stuck on the moving treadmill platform, in turn dragging his arms underneath the machine.
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As he tries to wriggle free, the treadmill ends up sucking him in further until almost his entire body is under it.
Thankfully, he eventually manages to crawl out from beneath the equipment, which remains raised in the air as it squashes the ball still stuck below it.
According to the CPSC, there have been 39 incidents to date - including the death of one child.
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In a news release, the agency said: "To date, CPSC is aware of 39 incidents including one death. CPSC staff believes the Peloton Tread+ poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death. In light of multiple reports of children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC urges consumers with children at home to stop using the product immediately."
Saying the horrifying video 'demonstrates the hazard to children posed by the Tread+', it added: "It is believed that at least one incident occurred while a parent was running on the treadmill, suggesting that the hazard cannot be avoided simply by locking the device when not in use.
"Reports of a pet and objects being sucked beneath the Tread+ also suggest possible harm to the user if the user loses balance as a result."
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Peloton has since responded to CPSC's warnings, saying its bulletin was 'misleading' and 'inaccurate', saying it had notified the agency following news last month that a child had died while using the Tread+.
It said in a statement: "The company is troubled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) unilateral press release about the Peloton Tread+ because it is inaccurate and misleading.
"There is no reason to stop using the Tread+, as long as all warnings and safety instructions are followed. Children under 16 should never use the Tread+, and Members should keep children, pets, and objects away from the Tread+ at all times."
LADbible has reached out to Peloton for comment.
Featured Image Credit: US Consumer Product Safety CommissionTopics: World News, News