Rescue teams in Pakistan have recovered the bodies of four climbers after at least 10 went missing in a severe avalanche on Broad Peak, according to local officials.
The missing include Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, 43, who holds the record for the fastest ascent of the world’s 14 highest peaks, as confirmed by the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP).
Rescue teams are working to bring down the bodies of the four climbers despite harsh weather, according to AP and Reuters citing Pakistani sources. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the victims.
Sajid Hussain, deputy director of tourism for the Gilgit-Baltistan region, said the search for the remaining six climbers is focusing on a “remote and rugged” area.
Broad Peak is the world’s 12th-highest mountain at 8,047 meters, located in the Karakoram range in northern Pakistan.
According to the ACP, the expedition comprised 10 people – including five Nepalis, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, Omani climber Nathira, American climber Mallory Geis, and a Chinese climber identified only as Wang. Police did not mention a U.S. citizen but said two Britons – a man and a woman – were among the missing.
“The entire climbing team is believed to have lost contact since the avalanche occurred,” the ACP said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 26).
“All possible efforts are being made to ensure helicopter support and all available rescue resources are mobilized promptly subject to weather and operational conditions,” the statement emphasized.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing is “urgently verifying and assessing the situation” and is ready to assist Pakistan in rescue efforts.
Nirmal Purja, a former British Army soldier, turned professional climber in 2018. He conquered all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in 6 months and 6 days, from April to October 2019, setting a world record at the time.
In 2021, Purja completed the first winter ascent of K2 alongside nine other Nepali climbers.
