Hong Kong hiker dies during Mount Fuji climb, the first of new climbing season

A Hong Kong hiker died while climbing Mount Fuji, the first recorded fatality since the start of the 2024 climbing season in Japan.

The 58-year-old hiker, surnamed Wong, reached the eighth station of the climb in the Yamanashi Prefecture on Monday (Jul 8) at around 8.30 pm and stated that he felt unwell.

Another hiker was passing by, heading to a hut in the area to ask for assistance from an employee.

Wong was then taken to a first aid station and was confirmed dead after a local doctor conducted a medical exam on-site.

The local police are currently investigating the cause of Wong's death.

It is understood that Wong and his wife began their climb from the 5th station at an elevation of 2,305 meters on the Yamanashi side of Mount Fuji around 1.30 pm yesterday.

Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that the climbing season for Mount Fuji began a week ago, with Wong's death being the first of the season.

The Immigration Department confirmed Tuesday that it has received a request for help and followed up on the incident through the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong and the Chinese Embassy in Japan. 

It has also contacted the family of the deceased and provided advice and assistance.

It was learned that Wong was a civil servant working at the Trade and Industry Department, and the authority expressed deep sadness at the loss of a staff member overseas. The Department also extended its deepest condolences to Wong's family and will provide timely assistance.