AN overnight tour bus on its way to a ski resort in central Japan has crashed down a mountainside, killing at least 14 passengers and injuring 27 others.

Fire and disaster management officials say the bus veered off to the opposite lane on a mountain road near the resort town of Karuizawa, in Nagano prefecture, ramming through a guard rail and sliding down the mountainside.

BREAKING: Over dozen tourists killed in Japan ski resort bus crash, 40 on board – reports https://t.co/JhFQdPaTKT pic.twitter.com/osYta8CBVV — RT (@RT_com) January 15, 2016

The bus was carrying 41 people, including two drivers who were taking turns, when it crashed early on Friday.

Japanese media reports say the bus fell three metres down the mountainside and landed on its side, with its front window bashed in.

There was no snow or ice on the road surface.

The nationalities of those on board is not yet known.



A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said urgent inquiries were being made with local authorities to determine whether any Australians may have been involved in the incident.

The department advises if anyone has concerns for the welfare of family or friends in the region, they should directly contact them, and if there is no response, to call the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

More to come