Advertisement

Japan avalanche: Eight schoolchildren feared dead in ski resort tragedy

Rescue operation: Firefighters carry a survivor from the site of the avalanche: AFP/Getty Images
Rescue operation: Firefighters carry a survivor from the site of the avalanche: AFP/Getty Images

At least eight high school students are feared dead after an avalanche struck a ski resort in Japan.

More than 30 people are thought to have been injured as well after the tragedy occurred near the Nasu Osen family resort, 120km north of Tokyo.

About 70 people, including students and teachers from various schools, were reportedly enjoying a springtime climbing session at the time.

Eight students were found with no vital signs while a further three are still missing hours later, according to Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Tragedy: Eight high school students were feared dead on Monday (AFP/Getty Images)
Tragedy: Eight high school students were feared dead on Monday (AFP/Getty Images)

The heavy snowfall and bad weather have hampered rescue efforts since the avalanche hit at 9.20am on Monday (12.20am GMT). Local reports state that rescue helicopters have been unable to reach the scene.

Avalanche warnings had been in effect after the region around the town of Nasu, home to several ski resorts, received heavy snow over the past two days.

More than 30cm of fresh snow has fallen on the area since Monday.

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said the government was working quickly to confirm details of the tragedy.