A tragic accident occurred at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park on February 28, 2025, when a maintenance worker lost his life during routine inspections of the Eejanaika roller coaster.
The incident took place shortly before noon, at approximately 11:50 AM, as the employee, identified as 29-year-old Iori Kamura from Fujikawaguchiko Town, became trapped between the coaster's wheels and the rail. Despite the quick response from emergency services, he was pronounced dead shortly after being transported via helicopter to a hospital in Kofu City.
According to reports from UTY Yamanashi, Kamura was engaged in the inspection of the roller coaster when the unfortunate incident occurred. Witnesses said he had been working underneath the stationary ride when one of the coaster's wheels seemingly rolled onto his lower abdomen. Colleagues who noticed the incident immediately contacted the emergency services.
Fire department officials stated they received the emergency call and responded quickly, but Kamura was found unconscious upon arrival at the hospital. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased," commented the management of Fuji-Q Highland.
At the time of the accident, the Eejanaika ride was undergoing routine maintenance and was not open to the public. Fuji-Q Highland had implemented standard safety measures which typically include securing the ride with brakes to prevent movement during inspections. Investigators from the Fujiyoshida Police Department are currently examining the protocols followed on the day of the incident to determine if they were adhered to.
The Eejanaika roller coaster is one of the main attractions at Fuji-Q Highland, known for its intense twists and turns. The park's website boasts the ride as featuring the highest speed and most spins of any roller coaster globally. Established as a premier destination for thrill-seekers, Fuji-Q Highland, located near the famous Mt. Fuji, remains committed to visitor safety.
The tragic passing of Kamura has initiated many discussions about the safety protocols for amusement park rides, particularly during maintenance. Representatives from the park have acknowledged the responsibility to protect employees undergoing inspections and have vowed to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
The police have urged any individuals with additional information related to the accident to come forward, stating they intend to gather testimonials from fellow employees to get to the bottom of the details surrounding the incident. "We are working to understand every aspect of what led to this fatality to prevent similar occurrences from happening in the future," said a police spokesperson.
The incident highlights concerns within the amusement park industry about worker safety during routine maintenance procedures and the importance of thorough training and safety protocols. The management at Fuji-Q Highland is now under increased scrutiny as the community mourns the loss of one of its dedicated employees.
With the incident occurring during maintenance preparations, the future of the Eejanaika ride remains uncertain. Following the accident, Fuji-Q Highland management has announced they will evaluate the operational status of the coaster after March 1, 2025, prioritizing thorough investigations and ensuring all safety measures are re-evaluated.
Kamura's death is not only a significant loss for his family but has reverberated throughout the local community. Workers and patrons alike have expressed their shock and sadness over the tragic incident, emphasizing the necessity for heightened awareness around safety measures.
This incident has sparked renewed conversations about workplace safety regulations, especially within industries involving high-risk equipment and machinery. Advocates for safer working conditions are calling for immediate improvements and clearer guidelines to protect employees and prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The amusement park community is left to grapple with the impact of this accident, and officials at Fuji-Q Highland are committed to ensuring the lessons learned lead to effective changes moving forward. Individuals are encouraged to support the family of Kamura as they navigate this tragic loss, highlighting the human cost behind safety standards often overlooked.