Two New Zealanders killed by avalanche in Japan

Snowy peak: This aerial photo shows Mount Yotei, where an avalanche hit a group of backcountry skiers, in Kutchan, Hokkaido. — AP

Two New Zealanders have died after an avalanche in Japan, the foreign ministry in Wellington said.Japanese police confirmed that two New Zealanders “have sadly passed away” following an avalanche, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday.

“The New Zealand Embassy has offered consular support to the families of those involved,” a ministry spokesperson said.