AOMORI -- Chemical experts of the Ground Self-Defense Force were analyzing air samples July 14 from a site where three soldiers died from apparent gas poisoning during a training drill late July 12.

The dead, part of a 23-strong GSDF ranger corps unit, were identified as Cpl. Hirotada Funahashi, 21, Cpl. Takanori Sasaki, 22, and Cpl. Yuichi Takahashi, 22. The three were found in fields at the foot of the Hakkoda mountains in Aomori Prefecture in a sight known to locals as a "gas hollow," where animals have been found dead nearby.

Eighteen of the other soldiers in the unit were hospitalized as well, and a chemical unit belonging to the 9th GSDF Division, based in Aomori, is investigating asphyxiation by carbon dioxide as one explanation for the accident, according to GSDF officials. So far, no toxic substances have been found in air samples taken July 13, but oxygen density in the samples was found to be low.

Aomori Prefectural Police said that an autopsy of the three soldiers has been conducted but that the cause of death is still unknown. They will next conduct blood tests. GSDF experts said they will send more air samples from the site, a 8-meter deep hollow about 18 meters wide, and send them to their chemical lab in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture.