Nirmal Purja: Ex-Royal Marine among 10 climbers feared missing after avalanche in Pakistan
A ten-member mountaineering team led by renowned climber Nirmal Purja is feared missing following an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. Rescue efforts are being coordinated by local authorities, though weather conditions remain a critical factor.
Why it matters
The incident involves a high-profile mountaineer and highlights the extreme risks associated with climbing the world's highest peaks.
Image source, AFP Image caption, Nirmal Purja at the summit of Mount Everest
A ten-member international mountaineering team led by renowned Nepal-born climber Nirmal Purja is feared missing after an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak, one of the world's highest mountains.
Pakistani mountaineering officials say the avalanche hit at around midday on Thursday on the 8,047-metre (26,400 ft) peak in the Karakoram range. There has been no subsequent communication with the team.
An American, a Chinese national, a Pakistani, an Omani and six Nepalis are said to be part of the climbing group, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
Purja, the expedition leader, is known for climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre plus mountains in just over six months in 2019.
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