GUANGZHOU - A Chinese boy died in a supermarket after his father accidentally fell on him, reported the South China Morning Post.

Footage of the tragic scene was reportedly aired by the Guangzhou Broadcasting Network.

The man, with his back facing his son, was walking and holding both the child's hands when he lost his balance and fell backward, landing on top of his son.

The two appeared to be sharing a playful moment in the footage as the son pulled backwards to "swing" from his father's arms.

Surveillance video then showed a sales assistant helping the father up before carrying the motionless child from the ground to hand him to his father.

Guangdong Television reported that the boy was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the South China Morning Post.

A paediatrician in Guangzhou said: "In the video, the man's entire weight was on the upper body of the child, including the boy's head and neck. The child might have suffered a cervical fracture."

People who have not received medical training should avoid moving anyone with suspected cervical injuries, added the doctor.

The Chinese report did not include the age of the child or where the incident occurred, reported the South China Morning Post.