By Courtney Barrow, AccuWeather staff writer
March 27,2017, 9:35:31AM,EDT
Eight people were killed after an avalanche struck a Japanese ski resort Monday morning.
The victims included seven high school students one teacher who were on a school trip. It was initially reported that all eight victims were students.
Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that the victims were found with no vital signs, but a doctor had to examine the bodies before an official death notice can be issued.
More than 60 students and a dozen teachers were participating in a mountain climbing safety training at the Nasu Onsen Family Ski Resort, about 150 km (120 miles) from Tokyo, when the avalanche hit around 9:30 a.m. JST.
At least 40 were also injured in the avalanche. The students were from Otawara High School in Tochigi Prefecture, local government said in a statement.
The resort had already closed for the season by March 20.
Related links:
Japan Satellite
How to stay safe when venturing into avalanche terrain
Visit the Japanese Alps for the deepest snow in the world
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the area received 33 cm (about 13 inches) of snow overnight, which is unusual for this time of year.
An avalanche advisory was issued for the Tochigi region by the agency for Monday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as they become available.
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