Report: Japanese avalanche kills 2 people, injures 10

TOKYO (AP): An avalanche in northern Japan killed two people and injured 10 others Wednesday, a news report said.

Police confirmed that the disaster struck shortly before noon on Mount Hakkoda in the northern prefecture (state) of Aomori, but could not say how many people were missing or injured.

At least two people were killed in the avalanche and 10 others injured, according to Kyodo News agency. A group of 22 skiers were in the area when the avalanche hit, the report said.

Rescuers were searching for as many as seven skiers possibly buried, a prefectural police officer said on condition of anonymity, citing protocol.