Rescuers rush to the scene after an avalanche on a ski slope in Japan's Tochigi Prefecture on March 27, 2017. Seven senior high school students and a teacher were confirmed dead, and some 40 others were injured. [Photo/VCG]

TOKYO - Seven senior high school students and a teacher were confirmed dead after being hit on Monday morning by an avalanche on a ski slope in Japan's Tochigi Prefecture, and some 40 others were injured, local authorities said.

More than 60 students and teachers from seven high schools were on the slope taking part in a springtime climbing event when the avalanche occurred, local media reported.