In brief
Hinata Goto, a five-year-old boy, tragically passed away after his arm became trapped in a travelator at the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort in Hokkaido. Although the travelator featured a safety mechanism, it failed to activate in time. Police are investigating potential negligence regarding the machinery's upkeep. The resort has vowed to strengthen safety protocols following the incident.
A five-year-old boy in Japan has died while on a ski holiday with his family after his arm got caught on a travelator.
On Sunday morning, Hinata Goto was about to step off the travelator at a Hokkaido resort’s ski slopes when he fell down, causing his right arm to become trapped in the machine, according to police reports.
The travelator was supposed to have a safety mechanism, but it failed to activate. The machine only halted when the boy’s mother pressed the emergency stop button.
Rescue workers took 40 minutes to dismantle part of the travelator and free the unconscious boy, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Staff at Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort stated that the travelator's safety feature had functioned earlier that day.
The police are investigating the incident to determine whether there was any negligence in the manufacturing and maintenance of the travelator.
The travelator, installed about six years ago, measures approximately 30m (98 ft) long and 60cm (24 in) wide, and lacks handrails. It connects the resort’s car park to the ski slopes.
Some visitors have raised concerns about the safety of the travelator, noting that it can be tricky to use. A regular customer expressed, 'Even as an adult, there are times when I think, 'It's a little scary.'
The resort’s representative has issued an apology regarding the incident and announced plans to enhance safety measures to prevent further occurrences.
Hokkaido is known as the ski capital of Japan, attracting millions of tourists every year, especially during the winter season for skiing activities.
