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Tragedy at Hokkaido ski resort
A five-year-old boy died on Sunday after his arm became trapped in a moving walkway at a ski resort in Japan's northern Hokkaido region, police and local media reported.
How the incident unfolded
Hinata Goto was stepping off the travelator at Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort in Otaru when he lost his balance and fell. His right arm became entangled in the machinery, according to police accounts cited by Japanese media.
The travelator, which connects the resort's car park to the ski slopes, is equipped with an automatic safety mechanism designed to stop if an obstruction is detected. However, the system failed to activate. The machine only halted after the boy's mother pressed the emergency stop button.
Rescue efforts and investigation
Emergency responders spent approximately 40 minutes dismantling part of the travelator to free the child, who had already lost consciousness. He was rushed to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Resort staff confirmed that the safety mechanism had functioned correctly earlier in the day. Police have launched an investigation to determine whether negligence in manufacturing or maintenance played a role in the failure.
Travelator details and visitor concerns
The travelator, installed six years ago, measures about 30 meters (98 feet) in length and 60 centimeters (24 inches) in width. It lacks handrails, a feature some visitors have found unsettling.
"Even as an adult, there are times when I think, 'It's a little scary,'"
A regular visitor, quoted by Asahi Shimbun
Other guests reported stumbling while using the same walkway, raising questions about its safety.
Resort response and broader context
A representative for Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort expressed condolences and pledged to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Hokkaido, renowned as Japan's premier skiing destination, attracts millions of visitors annually, with peak activity during the winter season.
