Tragedy in Japan: Australian Woman Dies After Backpack Gets Caught in Ski Lift

A fatal accident claimed the life of a 22-year-old Australian tourist at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. While boarding the Tsuga No.2 Pair Lift—a two-person ski gondola—her unzipped backpack clasp snagged on the chairlift mechanism as she attempted to disembark. The chest strap remained fastened, causing her to be dragged and left suspended mid-air. Staff activated the emergency stop button, and first aid was administered before she was rushed to hospital by ambulance. She suffered a cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead. Tsugaike Mountain Resort and Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co. issued a joint apology and launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred around 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT) on Friday, 29 January 2026. Authorities are reviewing safety protocols and examining lift equipment, while the operator pledged concrete measures to prevent recurrence. Located in the Hakuba Valley, Tsugaike is one of Nagano’s largest and most popular ski destinations for both domestic and international visitors.