According to Japanese reports, the staffers there received an emergency call from the third Hong Kong man staying in a shelter near the mountain's trail head around 12.30pm yesterday (Thu), saying he lost contact with his two other companions and the two didn't return from the mountain. 

Local police then initiated the rescue mission and located two men, aged about 30, near the observation deck about 500 meters away from the peak around 5pm. 

One of the men, 37-year-old Pang Kam-ho was pronounced dead at the scene. It was understood that Pang was already unconscious and in a critical condition when the rescue crew found him. 

The other 35-year-old man sustained minor injuries and suffered hypothermia. He retreated to ground level with the aid of the rescuers. 

Local police said the trio started their hike around 6.30am and was at a shelter standing at 1,300 meters tall before they were separated when heading downhill. 

Police added the visibility at the time was very poor because of the snowstorm, making the rescue mission difficult. Investigations are ongoing. 

It is understood that Immigration Department's Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit is now providing assistance to the trio's families.