Eight Students Feared Dead After an Avalanche at a Japanese Ski Resort

Several high school students are feared dead after an avalanche at a ski resort in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture Monday morning local time.

Japan’s Kyodo news agency reports that eight students “appeared to show no vital signs” and more than 30 others were injured in an avalanche at the Nasu Onsen Family Ski Resort in the town of Nasu, 75 miles north of Tokyo.

In Japan deaths in such circumstances are not officially announced until confirmation from a medical professional has been obtained.

According to local authorities, more than 60 senior high school students from seven high schools in the prefecture were on the slope at the time — some were reportedly taking part in a climbing event.

[Kyodo]

Get The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.

Please enter a valid email address.

Sign Up Now

Check the box if you do not wish to receive promotional offers via email from TIME.

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Thank you!

For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.

Write to Joseph Hincks at joseph.hincks@time.com.