A high-altitude disaster in northern Pakistan has sent shockwaves through the global mountaineering community after a massive avalanche struck Broad Peak, claiming four lives and leaving six climbers missing, including world-famous British-Nepali alpinist Nirmal Purja.
The tragedy occurred near Camp III on the 8,047-meter mountain in the Karakoram range, where multiple expedition teams were attempting their summit pushes. According to regional authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan, rescue workers have recovered four bodies, while air and ground operations remain ongoing for those still unaccounted for.
Among the deceased identified by officials are Nadhira Alharthy, the first Omani woman to conquer Mount Everest, American climber Sarah Mallory Geis, and Nepali guide Pur Bahadur Gurung of Elite Exped. The identity of the fourth recovered victim has not yet been publicly disclosed.
The incident has drawn widespread international concern due to the involvement of Nirmal Purja, 43, a former British Special Forces operator who gained worldwide fame by climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in record time. Purja was leading a team toward Broad Peak's summit as part of his ongoing attempt to repeat the 14-peak feat without supplemental oxygen.
High-Altitude Teams Hit by Disaster
The avalanche impacted several independent groups ascending the world's 12th-highest peak. Aside from Purja and his expedition members, missing individuals include Pakistani guide Sohail Sakhi, Chinese climber Wang Zhong, and Nepali guide Kili Pema Sherpa.
Statements from expedition organizers, including Seven Summit Treks and Nimsdai Store, confirmed that emergency support was being coordinated with local officials. Ground search efforts were temporarily suspended on Friday evening owing to severe weather conditions and low visibility.
Uncertainty Surrounds Rescue Operations
Drone footage captured by search teams spotted additional bodies near the avalanche zone, raising fears that the casualty count could rise further. Emergency teams plan to resume full-scale aerial and ground rescue missions as soon as weather permits.
The mountain tragedy highlights the extreme hazards facing elite climbers during the Karakoram summer climbing season, where unpredictable weather and dangerous snow accumulation pose constant threats to life.
