Foot massager strangles three

Three people have been strangled attempting to use a foot massage machine as a neck massager, the maker of the machine said Tuesday.

Keep covered: Three people have been strangled trying to get a neck massage using the Arubi Shape-up Roller foot massager without its cloth cover, shown at left. KYODO PHOTO

Saitama-based Matoba Electric Manufacturing Co. said the three died when their clothing got caught in the rollers. The victims had removed the cloth cover from the Arubi Shape-up Roller before applying the machine to their necks.

Similar accidents couldoccur while using another massage machine, the Shape-up Roller II, the company warned.

The firm urged users not to use the machines with the cover off.