A woman in Jiangsu province required police assistance after becoming trapped while attempting a popular lamp post climbing challenge, local authorities reported. The challenge, which has circulated widely on social media, involves individuals crossing their legs around a lamp post while maintaining a seated position before attempting to free themselves without using their hands.

The incident occurred during an evening walk when the woman, identified only by her surname Song, became increasingly stuck as she struggled to release her legs. Police responded promptly and were able to safely extricate her by carefully adjusting her position. Song reportedly experienced numbness but did not sustain serious injuries.

The lamp post challenge has gained viral attention, with some participants successfully completing it by slowly rotating their bodies to find the correct position needed to uncross their legs. However, numerous cases have surfaced where participants have sought assistance from family members, bystanders, delivery personnel, and law enforcement due to difficulty escaping the pose.

Authorities have cautioned the public about the potential dangers associated with the challenge. A police officer involved in Song’s rescue remarked that the maneuver requires significant knee flexibility and places considerable weight on the joints, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, prolonged compression of blood vessels in the lower limbs can lead to numbness, swelling, or even tissue damage.

The officer urged individuals to avoid engaging in such activities that pose unnecessary risks to their health. The warning has sparked discussion on social media, with many users criticizing the proliferation of online challenges that prioritize attention over safety. Comments have highlighted a trend of people participating in risky stunts without fully considering the potential consequences.

This lamp post challenge follows previous viral trends that have resulted in similarly hazardous situations, including challenges involving tightening ankles with zip ties, squeezing into deep containers, or tightly wrapping oneself in multiple layers of bedding. Authorities continue to emphasize caution and responsible behavior amid the growing popularity of these online challenges.