30 hikers feared dead on Mt Ontake after Saturday's volcanic eruption in Japan


Rescuers have found 30 hikers in critical condition, believed to be dead, near the peak of Mount Ontake, following Saturday's sudden volcanic eruption.

The hikers were not breathing and their hearts had stopped, reports said. Final confirmation of death in Japan always comes via a medical examination.

Rescuers had been searching for the hikers despite ongoing eruptions.

The volcano, about 200km (125 miles) west of Tokyo, erupted at about noon on Saturday, spewing ash and rocks.


SOURCE: BBCNews