Hinata Goto was pronounced dead after his arm became trapped in the magic carpet lift machinery at Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort in Otaru, Japan
09:32 ET, 29 Dec 2025Updated 12:20 ET, 29 Dec 2025
The horror incident took place in Japan(Image: Getty Images)
A five-year-old boy tragically lost his life after his arm got caught in a ski travelator while vacationing with his family at the Asarigawa Onsen Ski resort in Otaru, Japan.
The young boy was declared dead on Sunday morning (December 28) following an unfortunate incident where he fell and became trapped by the ski travelator’s machinery, as reported by Japanese media. The incident, which took place at the popular ski destination, is currently under police investigation.
Local reports identified the child as Hinata Goto, who was about to disembark from the travelator when he tripped and his right arm became entangled in the machine. Despite the safety mechanism, the travelator only came to a halt when the boy’s mother hit the emergency button. It comes after another ski resort horror in Spain where a harrowing chair lift malfunction caused sickening injuries.
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Rescue teams spent 40 minutes disassembling parts of the travelator to free the unconscious boy. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
A five-year-old boy in Japan has died while on a ski holiday with his family(Image: Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort’s Facebook)
Authorities are now investigating the incident to determine if there was any negligence in the installation or maintenance of the travelator. Staff at the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort reportedly stated that the safety mechanism had been functioning earlier that day, according to the Mirror, reports the Daily Star.
The travelator, measuring 30m (98 ft) long and 60cm (24 in) wide, was installed approximately six years ago.
This handrail-free device connects the resort’s parking lot to the ski slopes.
These ‘magic carpet’ lifts, often referred to as such, are usually found on beginner slopes.
According to Japanese media, other visitors have reported tripping on this specific travelator where the unfortunate event occurred.
As reported by the Japanese daily newspaper Asahi Shimbun, a regular visitor expressed their concern: “Even as an adult, there are times when I think, ‘It’s a little scary’.”
Officials vow to take steps
In reaction to the tragic incident, officials have vowed to take steps.
A spokesperson for Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort expressed remorse over the incident and assured that actions will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Hokkaido, known as Japan’s ski capital, draws millions of visitors each year.
The region experiences its highest surge of tourists during the winter months, who come to enjoy its famous ski vacations.
It comes after a separate horrifying crime in which parents laughed as their burned, beaten and tortured 9-day-old baby died.
AloJapan.com