A Gold Coast schoolgirl has died following a snowmobile accident in Japan.
Chloe Jeffries was killed after a snowmobile she and her mother were riding flipped, causing her to become trapped underneath the vehicle.
The eight-year-old was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Chloe is the fourth Australian to die while holidaying in Japan this year.
Chloe and her mother were part of a snowmobile tour operated by Hakuba Lion Adventure in Hakuba Village.
The operator’s CEO, Shinji Wada, issued a statement confirming the accident, which happened on Saturday.
“We regret to report that a tragic accident occurred during a snowmobile tour operated by our company,” the statement said.
“During the tour, near an uphill curve along a forest road, the snowmobile from the front left the course while navigating the curve and rode up onto the embankment at the side of the trail.
“The vehicle subsequently overturned back onto the course.
“As a result of the overturn, the passenger riding tandem on the snowmobile became trapped beneath the vehicle.”
Mr Wada said the company was working with police and other relevant authorities to determine the circumstances leading up to the accident.
“We extend our heartfelt prayers for the repose of the deceased and express our deepest and most sincere condolences to the bereaved family,” the statement said.
“Accordingly, we have decided to suspend our Snowmobile Tours and Snowshoe Tours until further notice.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”
Chloe’s family has requested her image not be published at this time.
AloJapan.com