Tokyo
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An Australian snowboarder died after his backpack got caught in a ski lift and he became suspended while on a trip to Japan with friends, according to Japanese police and the lift operator.
Nagano Omachi Police said a 22-year-old tourist went into cardiac arrest in an accident on Friday at Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort in Hakuba Valley, a popular ski resort in central Japan.
The woman was rushed to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, police and the ski lift operator said.
Tsugaike Gondola Lift announced in a statement that the waist buckle of a tourist’s backpack became entangled with the chair on the lift, making it impossible for him to get off the lift.
Tsuneo Kubo, the company’s representative director and president, said in a statement, “Because the backpack’s chest strap was firmly secured, the backpack did not come off the guest’s body, and the guest was dragged along with his backpack when he got off the elevator.”
“Staff immediately pressed the emergency stop button and stopped the elevator from operating. Emergency assistance was immediately provided and the guest was transported by ambulance to the hospital,” the statement said.
The company said, “We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” and announced that it would strengthen safety measures.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that an Australian national had died in Japan and said it was providing consular assistance to his family.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
Japan is known for its powder snow and is considered one of Asia’s top snowsports destinations, as it attracts many foreign tourists every winter.
