Tokyo Broadcasting System, one of Japan's major private television broadcasters, said Tuesday it was considering new safety measures after two students were seriously hurt while taping a popular game show at the weekend.

　　The two young men were participants in the popular show“Kinniku Banzuke”(Muscle Ranking), first broadcast in 1995, in which members of the public are pitted against celebrities and athletes in often outlandish tests of strength.

　　“It is most regrettable that this accident occurred. We would like to apologize to the injured people and all those concerned”，a TBS official said, adding that the show would not be broadcast and the company was reviewing its safety policies.

　　Wei Tao, a 19-year-old Chinese student, fell and damaged the vertebrae in his neck while trying to cross a 8-foot strip of water on a giant plastic ball during the recording of the program Sunday evening.

　　Next to be taken to hospital was 20-year-old Takunori Isa, who sustained a similar injury when he lost his balance in a game in which he had to catch the 66-pound ball and roll it up a steep slope.

　　Police said they were investigating the accidents. Media said police were checking whether to file charges of negligence leading to injury against the program makers. Officials refused to comment.