Nirmal Purja among climbers killed in Broad Peak avalanche in Pakistan

World-renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja has died after an avalanche struck an expedition on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan, according to a statement from his company, Elite Exped.

Purja was leading a team of 10 climbers on the world's 12th-highest mountain when the avalanche hit on Thursday.

Elite Exped confirmed his death, saying: “Today it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak.”

“We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive,” the company said, without providing further details.

According to the Guardian, the expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, the United States and China.

Elite Exped also confirmed the deaths of Purja's climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa.

Purja became internationally known in 2019 after climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just over six months. He later led the first successful winter ascent of K2.

In a 2019 interview with the Guardian, Purja said: “Records are made to be broken. Someone one day will come along and be stronger. People are only limited by their imagination. If you don’t dream, then you won’t do it. Human beings are capable of doing amazing things.”

He was also widely recognised for rescuing fellow climbers during high-altitude expeditions.