Ten die in three separate incidents on mountains in Hokkaido, northern Japan
Survivors wait for rescue on Mt. Tomuraushi
(AP Photo/Kyodo News)
On Thursday, July 16th, ten hikers died in three separate disastrous incidents on partially snow-covered mountains in northern Japan. Two of the incidents took place on Mt. Tomuraushi, and the third took place on Mt. Biei about 9 miles away, according to Japanese media sources. The cause of deaths has yet to be officially determined, but bad weather appears to be the likely cause.
Eight die in one group
The first incident revolves around a group of upper middle-aged hikers on a several day long tour of Mt. Tomuraushi, a 7,025 foot (2,141 meter) tall mountain in the middle of the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Survivors told Japanese media that winds and rain on the mountain became unusually strong and cold. They also commented that they personally felt if they had stayed there and did not find shelter they would have died.
Among the eight dead was a 61 year old veteran guide, one of three accompanying the tour. The company in charge of the tour, Amuse-travel, told reporters that they intended to compensate the families of the victims.
Family members of the dead said in interviews that they were shocked by the news.
Two die in two separate incidents.
One man who was reportedly hiking alone also died on Mt. Tomuraushi. He was said to have been found unconscious by rescuers before passing away.
A women who was hiking with a group of six on the nearby Mt. Biei, a 6,732 foot (2,052 meter) tall mountain in the same range, also became a victim on the same day.
All of the hikers are said to have been Japanese.
See more articles by the Japan Headlines Examiner
(07/18/2009: correction, the correct name of the travel agency was "Amuse-travel")
(07/19/2009: corrected the article title)
