What Happened to the Five-Year-Old Boy Caught in a Ski Travelator in Japan?

A tragic incident occurred in Japan where a five-year-old boy, Hinata Goto, lost his life during a ski holiday after his arm became trapped in a malfunctioning travelator. Despite safety mechanisms designed to prevent such accidents, they reportedly failed to activate, leading to a critical situation that ended in the child's untimely death.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The incident has sparked investigations by local police into the circumstances surrounding the malfunction of the travelator at the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort in Hokkaido. Authorities are examining whether there was any negligence related to the device's manufacturing or maintenance. The case has drawn significant attention in Japan, raising concerns about safety measures at ski resorts, especially one as popular as Asarigawa, which welcomes thousands of visitors annually.

Key takeaways

• A five-year-old boy died after his arm was trapped in a ski resort travelator.
• The safety mechanism designed to halt the travelator reportedly failed to activate.
• Local authorities are investigating potential negligence in manufacturing or maintenance.

Timeline: how we got here

On 22 October 2023, Hinata Goto was on a ski holiday with his family when the tragic accident occurred at the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort. The travelator, which has been in operation for about six years, is an essential connection for skiers between the parking area and slopes. Following the incident, rescue workers spent 40 minutes trying to free the boy, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The investigation into the travelator's failure is ongoing, with police assessing whether there was any negligence by the resort or equipment manufacturers. Eyewitness accounts indicate that other visitors have experienced difficulties with the travelator, raising questions about its safety design.

What was already established

It is known that the travelator is approximately 30 metres long and 60 centimetres wide, lacking handrails, which has led to concerns from users. The safety mechanism was reported to have functioned correctly earlier in the day, but failed during the incident. The resort management has expressed condolences and commitment to reviewing safety protocols.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The incident highlights safety risks associated with ski resorts, not just in Japan but globally. UK families considering ski holidays may reflect on the safety measures in place at their chosen destinations, especially on machinery like travelators and ski lifts.

Businesses and jobs

Ski resorts in the UK and abroad may face increased scrutiny regarding safety protocols and machinery maintenance as a result of this incident. It could lead to heightened regulatory measures and possibly impact operational practices across the industry.

Policy and regulation

This tragic event may prompt local governments to revisit regulations regarding ski resort safety standards, especially in relation to machinery used by guests. Stakeholders in the ski industry could be compelled to implement stricter safety checks and maintenance procedures.

Numbers that matter

• 30 metres: Length of the travelator involved in the incident.
• 60 centimetres: Width of the travelator.
• 40 minutes: Time taken by rescue workers to free the boy.
• 6 years: Duration since the travelator was installed.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Travelator: A moving walkway that transports people vertically or horizontally.
• Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort: A popular ski resort located in Hokkaido, Japan.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As investigations proceed, expect to see updates from the police regarding their findings. The resort may also implement immediate safety measures or changes to how the travelator operates.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Longer-term implications might involve regulatory changes within the ski industry, especially regarding the safety standards of equipment. Resorts may need to reassess their safety protocols and machinery maintenance schedules.

Signals to watch

• Reports from ongoing police investigations into the incident.
• Statements from the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort regarding safety measures.
• Potential changes in regulatory safety standards for ski resorts in Japan and beyond.

Practical guidance

Do

• Regularly check for safety updates and reports from ski resorts before visiting.
• Familiarise yourself with the safety features of ski equipment.

Don’t

• Ignore safety warnings or alerts from resort staff.
• Assume that all equipment is safe without verifying its condition.

Checklist

• Check the condition of travelators and lifts before use.
• Inquire about safety protocols at the resort.
• Observe other users to gauge the safety of the equipment.
• Stay informed about any incidents or issues reported at the resort.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the investigation continues, there remains uncertainty regarding the specifics of the travelator's malfunction. It is crucial to approach the situation with caution, recognising that further developments may emerge as authorities continue their inquiries. The potential for negligence in manufacturing or maintenance raises significant concerns that need to be addressed to prevent future incidents.

Bottom line

The tragic death of Hinata Goto underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards at ski resorts. As investigations unfold, it serves as a stark reminder for both consumers and industry stakeholders to prioritise safety in every aspect of ski operations. Ensuring that equipment is regularly assessed and maintained is critical to protecting visitors.

FAQs

What happened to Hinata Goto?

Hinata Goto tragically died after his arm was caught in a malfunctioning travelator at a ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan.

What is a travelator?

A travelator is a mechanised walkway that moves people in a specific direction, commonly used in ski resorts to transport visitors between areas.

What safety measures are in place at ski resorts?

Ski resorts typically implement various safety measures, including regular maintenance checks on equipment, safety warnings, and emergency stop mechanisms for machinery.