Tragic Avalanche Claims Lives of British-Nepali Climber Nirmal Purja and Nine Others in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – In a devastating incident on Broad Peak, renowned British-Nepali climber Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers have been confirmed dead following an avalanche that struck their expedition on Thursday. Their expedition company, Elite Exped, reported the grim news on Saturday as search teams continue efforts to recover the bodies.

“The world has lost one of mountaineering's greatest climbers,” the statement from Elite Exped read, echoing the collective mourning felt in the mountaineering community. The company emphasized the profound impact of this tragic event, stating, “No words can ease the pain of this unimaginable loss.”

Rescuers, hampered by harsh weather conditions that complicated helicopter flights, managed to locate four bodies, three of which were recovered on Friday. Military helicopters have resumed search operations as of Saturday to locate the remaining climbers.

Irfan Arshad Khan, president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, expressed his condolences, calling the loss “immeasurable.” He praised the efforts of both military and civilian rescuers as well as local sherpas involved in the search, emphasizing the risks inherent in high-altitude climbing.

On Saturday, local police official Tahir Khan reported that the body of Omani climber Nathira Ahmed was being transported to Islamabad, while the remains of American climber Mallory Geis and Nepalese climber Bahadur Gurung were held at a hospital in Skardu.

Nirmal Purja, known as Nims Dai, gained fame for climbing all 14 of the world’s highest peaks in record time. His expedition was particularly significant as it marked Geis’ first attempt at an 8,000-meter peak in Pakistan and was expected to be the last climb for another member, Sakhi, renowned as a guide, geographer, and photographer.

The tragic event underscores the dangers associated with climbing in northern Pakistan, where avalanches, falling ice, and unpredictable weather pose constant threats to climbers.

As of now, search operations are ongoing, with hopes of recovering the remaining climbers' bodies amidst challenging conditions.