Tokyo theme park worker dies after becoming trapped in ride mechanism during routine maintenance

(SeaPRwire) –   A worker carrying out routine maintenance at a Tokyo theme park has reportedly died after being trapped for a lengthy period inside the mechanical structure of an attraction ride.

The accident took place at Tokyo Dome City Attractions on the “Flying Balloon” ride this Tuesday, the company confirmed.

“During routine maintenance work on the attraction, one of our staff members became trapped inside the ride’s gondola mechanism,” the company stated. “After rescue efforts were completed, the employee was taken to a hospital, where their death was later officially confirmed.”

According to local media outlet NHK World Japan, police have identified the worker as 24-year-old Kamimura Hina. It took rescue personnel approximately five hours to free her, but she was ultimately pronounced dead at a local hospital.

“Flying Balloon” is reported to be a 12-seat attraction where passengers sit in a circle around a central pillar. The seats rotate and climb along the ride structure to a height of around 30 feet.

During the operator’s monthly safety check, the seats were elevated, which allowed Kamimura and five colleagues to access and examine the ride’s internal mechanisms, the outlet reports.

Authorities believe the victim was working from a stepladder when the raised seats suddenly fell, trapping her against the ride’s central pillar.

“We offer our deepest prayers for the repose of our deceased employee’s soul, and we extend our sincere condolences and apologies to their grieving family,” the company said. “We also wish to again offer our sincere apologies to all customers and stakeholders who have been inconvenienced and caused anxiety as a result of this accident.

The company confirmed it is conducting a full-scale investigation into the cause of the accident in coordination with relevant authorities, including local police and the fire department.

All attractions at the amusement park were immediately suspended until further notice, “as we dedicate all our resources to thoroughly investigating the cause of this incident and implementing measures to prevent its recurrence,” they added.