Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
KISO, Japan (AP) — Five more bodies have been found near the summit of a Japanese volcano, bringing the total presumed dead to 36. But toxic gases and ash from the still-erupting mountain have forced rescue workers today to halt efforts to recover the victims.
Police say eight bodies were airlifted today off Mount Ontake (ahn-TAH'-kay) before work on the peak was called off. Together with four victims brought down on Sunday, 12 bodies have now been recovered. That leaves 24 near the summit.
Exactly how they died remains unclear, whether from gases, suffocating ash, falling rocks or other causes.
Police say the latest victims were found near a shrine at the summit, the same area where other victims were reportedly found.
Mt. Ontake, a popular climbing destination, erupted Saturday, as at least 250 people were going for a hike.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
