Nirmal Purja among 10 killed in Broad Peak avalanche near K2

Veteran mountaineer Nirmal Purja was among 10 climbers killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak during a summit push. His death on the final climb of his career has triggered mourning across the mountaineering world.

In Short

• The avalanche struck around 7,000 metres on Thursday morning, sweeping climbers away
• The 10-member expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, US and China
• Four bodies were recovered first, with three victims identified by officials

Veteran Nepalese-British mountaineer Nirmal Purja was among 10 people killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit Baltistan, his expedition company said on Saturday. The avalanche hit the mountain in the Karakoram range near K2 on Thursday as the team was making its summit push.

Purja, 43, was on his final climb to complete all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres for a second time. The 10-member team included five climbers from Nepal, and one each from Pakistan, Oman, the United States and China. Elite Exped said no member of the expedition survived the avalanche.

Confirming his death, the company said in a statement on social media, "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." It added, "We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive." The company further said, "Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa." It also said, "The world has lost one of mountaineering's greatest climbers; a leader who inspired millions through his courage, humility and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine."

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the avalanche struck at about 9 am on Thursday at an altitude of around 7,000 metres, sweeping away the team. ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad said four of the 10 bodies were recovered on Friday, and three of them were identified as Oman's Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, Nepal's Pur Bahadur Gurung and American Mallory Geis. The bodies were airlifted to Skardu. Rescue operations were suspended late Friday because of adverse weather and resumed on Saturday.

On Saturday, the Pakistan government said it would continue to provide "every possible assistance" until the search operation to locate the remaining bodies was completed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's adviser Rana Sanaullah said, "Pakistan expresses profound grief over the tragic Broad Peak mountaineering accident as it stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Nepal in their grief." He said Pakistan had prioritised the search and rescue operation immediately after the avalanche and that the search was continuing despite extremely harsh weather and difficult terrain. According to the local administration, a three-member civil rescue team led by mountaineer Sarbaz Khan was taking part in the operation, with support from Pakistan Army helicopters.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah also condoled the deaths of Purja and five other Nepalese climbers. In a social media post, he said, "Only the physical journeys of Nirmal Purja and all the other departed mountaineers have come to an end; the legacy of their courage, dedication, and contributions will forever remain alive and inspiring. Heartfelt tributes to all the departed mountaineers. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, and well-wishers." Purja began his mountaineering journey in 2003 after a 16-year military career, including six years as a Gurkha and 10 years with the UK Special Forces, and was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2018. He had climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in six months and six days in 2019, and the Broad Peak expedition, on the world's 12th-highest and one of its most challenging mountains, became the final climb of his career.

With PTI Inputs

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