Avalanche hits Japan ski resort; 1 feared dead

Hokkaido (AP) — An avalanche at a ski resort on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido hit a group of eight foreign skiers, likely killing at least one.

The avalanche occurred on Thursday when the group was skiing outside of a designated course near the Tomamu ski resort, according to the nearby Shimukappu village office.

One skier who escaped from the snow called police asking for help, an official said.

The caller said one of them, a Frenchman in his 40s, was feared dead, but six others survived, though further details of their conditions were not available.

Rescuers were expected to head to the site for their rescue, although the operation may be hampered by risks of another avalanche.