Another sauna door knob malfunctioned, temporarily trapping individuals: Couple dies in Akasaka incident
A couple tragically died in a sauna incident in Akasaka, Tokyo, after being trapped due to a malfunctioning door knob, which was not the first instance of such an issue at the facility.
In December of last year, a tragic incident occurred at a sauna establishment in Akasaka, Tokyo, where a couple in their 30s lost their lives after being trapped inside a sauna due to a malfunctioning door knob. Investigators revealed that not only did the couple experience this crisis, but there had also been a prior incident at the same facility involving another sauna room where customers were briefly trapped due to a similar door knob issue. In that earlier case, patrons outside noticed the problem and managed to unlock the door without anyone getting hurt.
The situation is now under scrutiny by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, who are examining whether the sauna’s management could have foreseen and prevented such accidents. It has come to light that the emergency button inside the sauna room where the couple died had its power turned off, indicating a potential neglect of safety protocols. This negligence raises serious concerns over the operational standards of sauna facilities, particularly regarding the maintenance of emergency equipment and the overall safety measures in place for clients.
The sauna’s management has faced significant backlash following these incidents, especially from the families of the deceased and the general public. With investigations ongoing, there is a pressing need for accountability and a thorough review of safety regulations governing such establishments to prevent future tragedies involving vulnerable customers who might find themselves in life-threatening situations due to ignored safety measures.