A tragic cryotherapy accident at a Paris gym has left one woman dead and another in critical condition, following a suspected nitrogen leak inside a cryochamber.
The incident occurred Monday at the On Air gym on Boulevard Voltaire, where a female employee in her late 20s reportedly died after the cryotherapy chamber malfunctioned. A client in her 30s was hospitalized in critical condition. Three other individuals who were in contact with the victims and provided first aid also received medical treatment, according to French police.
Nitrogen, a colorless and odorless gas commonly used in cryotherapy, is suspected to have leaked from the machine. Authorities swiftly evacuated the gym, which had approximately 150 people inside at the time. Witnesses reported seeing a body removed from the premises, covered by a white sheet, while privacy screens were erected around the entrance.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed an autopsy and toxicology report are underway to determine the precise cause of death. The gym has been shut down indefinitely.
Cryotherapy, often used by athletes for recovery and inflammation reduction, involves exposure to extremely low temperatures for short periods. While some studies suggest benefits for muscle inflammation and cognitive support, experts caution that scientific consensus on its efficacy remains limited.
The Paris tragedy has drawn comparisons to a 2015 incident in Las Vegas, where a 24-year-old spa employee, Chelsea Ake, died after using a cryotherapy chamber alone. Investigators in that case cited “operator error” after Ake remained in the chamber for approximately 10 hours.
As the Paris investigation continues, the incident is raising renewed concerns over the safety protocols and oversight of cryotherapy facilities worldwide.
