Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja is among 10 climbers missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, which stands 8,047 meters in Pakistan's Karakoram range, on Thursday.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the expedition, which Purja led, has been out of contact since the avalanche hit. Rescue teams are being mobilized as weather and operational conditions allow.
Is Nirmal Purja missing?
Yes. Nirmal Purja is reported missing along with nine other climbers after an avalanche struck their expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the entire team lost contact following the avalanche late Thursday, and rescue operations are being mobilized as conditions allow.
Who are the climbers missing on Broad Peak?
The expedition comprised 10 people, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan: five Nepalese climbers, a Pakistani, an Omani, an American, a climber from China and one other foreigner. The club said the entire team had reportedly been out of communication since the avalanche struck. No further details on individual climbers have been confirmed by the club.
What happened during the Broad Peak avalanche?
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said it received deeply concerning reports of an avalanche that struck a team of climbers on Broad Peak late Thursday. The club confirmed Purja led the expedition and that the team could not be reached after the incident. Every possible effort is being made to mobilize helicopter support and other rescue resources, the club said, subject to weather and operational conditions.
Who is Nirmal Purja?
Nirmal Purja, 43, is a Nepali mountaineer who served with Britain's Brigade of Gurkhas before joining the Special Boat Squadron of the Royal Marines. He later became a full-time mountaineer and tour guide, breaking multiple climbing records. Purja climbed all 14 "eight-thousanders," peaks above 8,000 meters, in six months and six days between April and October 2019, a record at the time.
In 2021, Purja joined nine other Nepalese climbers to complete the first winter ascent of K2. His Broad Peak expedition marks another attempt on one of the world's highest and most demanding peaks.
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