Two New Zealanders have been killed in an avalanche while skiing in Hokkaido, Japan on Monday.
A group of six friends were skiing on Mt Yōtei when the avalanche struck, trapping three people beneath the snow, according to local reports.
"We are aware of the tragic accident overnight in Hokkaido, Japan, involving New Zealanders," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said.
"Following the avalanche, Japanese Police has confirmed that two New Zealanders have sadly passed away.
"The New Zealand Embassy has offered consular support to the families of those involved."
According to Japanese police, the snow hit three of the group of six, slightly above the middle point between the peak and the foot of the mountain.
The pair of New Zealand skiers were rescued from beneath the snow in a critical condition with cardiac and pulmonary arrest. The man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s were then airlifted to a local hospital in an unresponsive state, following what local media describe as a "catastrophic event".
A third person struck by the avalanche was conscious when found by rescuers but complained of shoulder pain.
