A 22-year-old Australian woman died after becoming trapped in a ski lift at a popular resort in central Japan, prompting an official investigation and a public apology from the resort management.
Backpack caught in chairlift mechanism
The incident occurred around 9 am on Friday at Tsugaike Mountain Resort, located in Otari village in Nagano prefecture. According to officials, the woman was riding the Tsuga No.2 Pair Lift when a part of her backpack became caught in the lift mechanism as she attempted to disembark.
Resort authorities said an unfastened buckle on the backpack got hooked onto the chair while the chest strap remained secured, causing her to be dragged and left suspended in midair.
Suffered cardiac arrest
An attendant immediately pressed the emergency stop button, and first aid was administered at the site. The woman was later transported by ambulance to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Officials said she suffered a heart attack following the incident.
She had been riding the two-person chairlift with another individual, who was not injured.
Resort issues apology, probe launched
The resort and its operator, Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co, issued a joint apology and announced a full investigation into the incident.
Resort chief executive Tsuneo Kubo expressed his “deepest condolences” to the bereaved family and said safety measures would be strengthened. “We take this situation very seriously and will take concrete steps to prevent recurrence,” he said.
Police are questioning staff and inspecting the lift equipment as part of the inquiry.
Australian authorities offer assistance
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death of an Australian citizen and said consular assistance was being provided to the family.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort, located in the Hakuba Valley, is one of Nagano’s largest ski destinations and is popular with both domestic and international tourists.