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)
Comments
It happens every year. But 10 people is a lot, usually 1 to 3 at a time. They are usually from the main island where the temp is much warmer.
Most cases of hypothermia happen from 8-10C. Much warmer then most people expect to have serious problems.
ryan libre
Hokkaido mountain guide and photographer
Few of us have a need for “incidence,” which most often refers to degree or extent of the occurrence of something: “The incidence of measles in Whitman County has dropped markedly since the vaccine has been provided free.” “Incidents,” which is pronounced identically, is merely the plural of “incident,” meaning “occurrences”: “Police reported damage to three different outhouses in separate incidents last Halloween”. Instances (not “incidences”) are examples: “Semicolons are not required in the first three instances given in your query.” Incidents can be used as instances only if someone is using them as examples. (from Washington State University )
Thank you for the correction Jacky. (It was an easy error with a high incidence in my article. I will be more careful of in the future. I hope I will not have any more incidents of this sort! ;) )
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!