8 Japanese students feared dead after avalanche

— -- An avalanche at a ski resort in Japan hit several high school students on Monday morning, leaving several injured or feared dead, according to ABC News partner NHK.

About 66 students and teachers were in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, Japan when the avalanche hit, the report said. At least eight high school students were found unresponsive after the incident and 40 others were injured, NHK said.

A doctor must examine the unresponsive students, who were found without vital signs, before an official death notice can be issued, according to NHK.

The students were reportedly taking mountain climbing lessons in the town of Nasu in Tochigi prefecture at the time, according to the NHK report.

ABC News' Joshua Hoyos contributed to this report.