A 5-year-old boy died after his right arm was caught in the mechanism of a moving walkway at a ski resort in Otaru, in the province of Hokkaido, in Japão. The accident occurred around 10am on Sunday, December 28, 2025, when the child, identified as Hinata Goto, from Sapporo, was with his family at the Asarigawa Onsen resort.
Hinata fell while trying to get off the treadmill, known as a travelator or magic carpet, used to transport skiers from the parking lot to the slopes. The arm was sucked into the winding part of the equipment, and the rescue took around 40 minutes, with firefighters dismantling parts of the machine to free it. Apesar of the efforts, the child arrived at the hospital unconscious and was later confirmed dead.
The victim’s mother activated the emergency button to stop the equipment, as the automatic stop system did not work. Hokkaido police are investigating the circumstances, including possible negligence on the part of resort management.
Accident details
The travelator involved in the incident is approximately 30 meters long and has a width of around 60 centimeters, just enough for a person to stand up. The equipment does not have handrails, which makes it easier for skiers with equipment to use, but can increase risks in cases of imbalance.
Hinata Goto was accompanied by her mother and other family members during the climb. Testemunhas reported that the child tripped near the descent point and was immediately pulled by the treadmill’s return mechanism.
Firefighters received the emergency call shortly after 10am and mobilized specialized teams. Durante the rescue, parts of the structure were dismantled to access the arm trapped up to the elbow.
Equipment characteristics
Moving walks like this are common at ski resorts in Japão, especially in Hokkaido, known as the country’s ski capital. Elas operate at moderate speeds, around 8 km/h, and are installed to avoid stairs in snowy areas.
The model in question was placed around six years ago at Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort. Management conducts morning checks on security systems, including sensors that are supposed to stop movement when they detect obstructions.
On the day of the accident, the automatic sensor did not activate, forcing manual intervention by the victim’s mother. Especialistas point out that designs without handrails require greater attention from users, especially children.
Length: about 30 metersWidth: approximately 60 centimetersSpeed: around 8 km/hInstallation: about six years agoLack of handrails to facilitate use with skis
skiing – USJ/Shutterstock.comOngoing investigation
Police authorities from Hokkaido are analyzing whether there were any failures in the maintenance or operation of the travelator. The possibility of professional negligence resulting in death is assessed, focusing on the operation of the automatic stop device.
The resort’s general manager, Kensuke Tamagawa, confirmed that there were no employees permanently dedicated to the equipment. In cases of problems, teams from other areas, such as snow removal, would be called.
The Asarigawa Onsen administration issued a public apology and announced measures to prevent recurrences. The facility was closed immediately after the incident while the resort maintained operations in other areas.
Reactions and resort context
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort is popular with families and beginners, due to its proximity to Sapporo and child-friendly slopes. Muitos visitors use the travelator daily without previously recorded incidents.
People close to the site expressed concerns about the safety of similar equipment at other resorts. The tragedy highlighted the need for constant supervision in areas with children.
The case reinforces debates about safety standards in winter leisure facilities in Japão. Hokkaido attracts millions of skiers annually, with an emphasis on snow-friendly infrastructure.
Safety measures on travelators
Ski resorts adopt specific protocols for moving walkways, including signs and guidelines for safe descent. Usuários must maintain balance and avoid sudden movements at the end of the route.
Keep children under direct supervisionDescend carefully at the end pointUse emergency button if necessaryCheck equipment before use
Experts recommend the presence of monitors on high-flow equipment, especially during busy seasons. Manutenção regulation of automatic sensors is essential to quickly detect obstructions.
Resort operation after the incident
The Asarigawa Onsen continued to function normally in other areas after the accident. Visitantes reported hearing calls of encouragement during the rescue, coming from family members.
The administration fully cooperates with police investigations. Atualizações about improvements to the equipment will be announced as the investigation progresses.
The case serves as a warning for similar resorts in Hokkaido and other snowy regions of Japão.
Prevention in ski areas
Ski resorts invest in team training for quick emergencies. Placas Guidance and visual barriers help guide users on travelators.
Parents should educate children about the risks of mobile equipment. Constant Supervisão reduces the chances of accidents in familiar environments.
Local authorities monitor compliance with safety standards at tourist facilities. Casos like this drive revisions to existing protocols.
AloJapan.com