Australian woman dies after becoming snagged in ski lift in Japan

An Australian woman, 22, died at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano prefecture, Japan, after becoming trapped in a ski lift on Friday around 9:00 AM local time. Part of her backpack became caught in the lift mechanism as she attempted to disembark, suspending her in midair. She suffered a heart attack and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest an unfastened buckle on her backpack hooked onto the chair, while the chest strap remained fastened. The resort has issued an apology, launched an investigation, and pledged to strengthen safety measures and cooperate with authorities. Police are questioning staff and inspecting equipment. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death and is providing consular assistance to the family.