More than 30 people are feared dead near the peak of the Japanese volcano that erupted a day earlier, sending a huge cloud of ash and rock tumbling down its slopes, while packed with hikers. Police said they were found in a state of "cardiopulmonary" arrest, but declined to confirm their deaths pending a formal examination. Hundreds of people, including children, were stranded on Mount Ontake after it erupted without warning on Saturday, sending ash pouring down the slope for more than 3 km.