14 Killed in Japan Ski Bus Crash Today

At least 14 people have been killed in a bus crash in central Japan.  The bus was run by a tour operator who offers low cost ski and snowboard trip.

Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga announced in a new conference in Tokyo today that 14 peole were killed and 27 others were injured in the single vehicle crash.  He also announced that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

It’s being reported that 19 of the 27 injured are seriously injured.

The accident occurred in the early hours of the morning on Friday near Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture where the 1998 Winter Olympics were held.

Asahi TV network quoted a survivor saying that all 39 passengers were asleep at the time of the accident when the bus swerved on to the wrong side of the road and fell down a hill at 2am.

The bus left Tokyo late Thursday on a tour organized for low cost ski and snowboarding trips.

Ski buses are a very common way of skiing and snowboarding for people living in cities in Japan.  Many of these services are very low cost and fun as they drive you up, feed you, water you, and you sleep on the bus.  Many drive up on weekends, ski for two days, then come back home.

Our condolences to everyone involved and all their loved ones.