Chinese among 13 holiday hikers rescued from snowy Tokyo mountain after overnight ordeal
Seven who were unable to descend on their own were airlifted off the mountain
Thirteen holiday hikers, including Chinese citizens, have been rescued after getting trapped overnight on a snowy Tokyo mountain trail.
Seven who were unable to descend on their own were airlifted off the mountain, Tokyo police and disaster officials said.
Japanese television showed some being lifted up to helicopters hovering above the snow-covered woods.
Some of those airlifted were injured, though their condition was not life-threatening, officials said. The six others walked down, escorted by rescue workers.
Japanese media said the group included four Chinese and requested help from an area fire department Wednesday night.
They spent the night on the mountain in the Okutama region, a popular hiking area in far western Tokyo. The group included teens and people in their 40s.
The unexpected snow on Wednesday, a national holiday for the vernal equinox, came days after the start of the cherry blossom season had been announced.
It also snowed in parts of central Tokyo, but temperatures were above freezing and there was no accumulation.
Associated Press, Kyodo
