Volcanic Gases Halt Mount Aso Helicopter Rescue

Rescue operations for a helicopter that disappeared near Mount Aso have been suspended due to hazardous volcanic gas levels. The aircraft, carrying two Taiwanese tourists and a Japanese pilot, vanished on Tuesday morning while circling the active volcano in Kumamoto Prefecture. Wreckage was subsequently discovered, but dangerously high gas concentrations have made recovery efforts impossible for now.

Families of the victims have arrived in Kumamoto and are being briefed by officials. The crash site remains inaccessible. Mount Aso, Japan's second-largest active volcano, is a popular tourist destination, with helicopter tours often providing views when ground access is restricted. The region is part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," known for seismic and volcanic activity.