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Six students feared dead after avalanche hits Japanese ski resort

TOKYO — Six high school students were feared dead Monday (March 27) after they were engulfed by an avalanche while on a mountain-climbing outing, officials and reports said.

The Nasuonsen Family Ski Resort. Photo: AFP

The Nasuonsen Family Ski Resort. Photo: AFP

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TOKYO — Six high school students were feared dead Monday (March 27) after they were engulfed by an avalanche while on a mountain-climbing outing, officials and reports said.

Local authorities and police confirmed that an avalanche had hit early Monday on the mountain in Tochigi prefecture north of Tokyo. About 50 senior high school students were believed to have been on the slope when the avalanche occurred at Nasuonsen Family Ski Resort in the morning, a local fire department said, adding that students were taking part in a springtime climbing event.

Public broadcaster NHK reported that six high school students were found with no vital signs.

NHK also said that three other students were injured, while three teachers on the excursion could not immediately be contacted.

Television footage showed heavy snow on the mountain. The climbing event, which began on Saturday, was supposed to have concluded around noon, according to a person connected with one of the participating schools.

The avalanche occurred in the town of Nasu about 120 kilometres north of Tokyo. AGENCIES

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