3 hotel workers found dead near Japan hot spring resort

Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Three hotel workers were found dead Tuesday in northeastern Japan after conducting routine maintenance on a hot spring source in the mountainous area of Fukushima, according to rescuers.

The three men, a hotel manager in his 60s and two staffers from the Kagetsu Highland Hotel, failed to return from conducting maintenance work Monday night from the mountains of Takayu Onsen.

Approximately 20 rescuers found the men's bodies Tuesday morning, after they were forced to wear oxygen tanks to access the area due to high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas from the hot springs.

While the cause of death is still being determined, search crews speculate the men inhaled the toxic gas before collapsing in the snow. A staff member at the hotel said "the snowfall was heavier than usual." According to the prefectural government, nearly 2 feet of snow fell between Monday and Tuesday.

Takayu Onsen is known for its volcanic hot spring, sulfuric waters and heavy snowfall. The hot spring has a history of more than 400 years, according to the Takayu Onsen Tourism Association's website.