Six school children are feared dead today after an avalanche hit the ski resort they were staying in.
The avalanche happened early this morning at the Nasu Onsen ski resort in Tochigi, Japan as a group of high school students were in the area.
With up to 70 students and teachers said to be in the area at the time of the accident, six people have been found with no vital signs and are feared to be dead.
Rescue missions are now underway to find the remaining victims.
Students from a number of schools were in the area for a climbing event which was due to finish today.
"We will continue to evaluate the damage information and work closely with the affected local governments, we will make disaster emergency measures with the highest priority to the life-saving and rescue of the victims,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yuka Kan of the tragic incident.
