Australian woman dies after getting caught in Japan ski lift

An Australian woman, aged 22, died after her backpack became caught in a ski lift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Hakuba Valley, Japan. The incident occurred on Friday morning when she was preparing to disembark from the lift. According to the lift operator, Tsugaike Gondola Lift, a loose buckle from her backpack snagged on the lift chair, causing her to become suspended in mid-air. Officials reported that the woman experienced a heart attack while she was caught in the lift. Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead. The incident has raised concerns regarding safety measures at ski resorts, particularly in relation to equipment and passenger safety. The Tsugaike Mountain Resort is a well-known ski destination located in the central region of Nagano, attracting numerous visitors each winter. This tragic event highlights the potential dangers associated with ski lifts and the importance of ensuring that all equipment is secure before use. The local authorities are likely to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The woman's identity has not been disclosed in the reports, and further details regarding her background or the specific circumstances of the incident remain unavailable. The ski resort and lift operator are expected to cooperate with any investigations that follow.