Tragedy: Australian Tourist Dies After Ski Lift Bag Strap Entanglement in Japan

A tragic incident occurred on January 30th at approximately 9:00 AM local time at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano, Japan, where a 22-year-old Australian tourist died in a shocking ski lift accident. The woman was using a ski chair lift when her loosely secured backpack became caught in the lift's mechanism while she had the bag's strap across her chest, preventing her from freeing herself. She was suspended mid-air and subsequently suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, dying in the hospital despite immediate emergency assistance from lift staff. The ski resort has suspended the specific lift and pledged to investigate and enhance safety measures. Japanese police are currently interviewing equipment inspection staff and reviewing all safety protocols, while the Australian Foreign Ministry has confirmed providing consular support to the victim's family.