Key facts
- Four bodies have been recovered following an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak.
- A 10-member climbing expedition, including Nirmal Purja, went missing after the avalanche.
- Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nadhira Alharthy are among the identified deceased.
- Rescue efforts are underway for the remaining six climbers amidst harsh weather conditions.
- The avalanche occurred near camp two and camp three on the mountain's west ridge.
Four bodies have been recovered following an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak, where a 10-member climbing expedition, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, went missing. The climbers, who had lost contact with their base camp after the avalanche struck, were last tracked near camp two and camp three on the mountain's west ridge.
British-Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, known for his record-breaking ascent of the world's 14 tallest peaks in just over six months, is among the 10 climbers feared missing. Purja, also known as Nims Dai, is 43 years old and was born in Nepal's Myagdi district. He served in the British military, including the UK Special Forces, before pursuing mountaineering. He had recently decided to attempt Broad Peak as part of his goal to climb all 14 eight-thousanders twice without oxygen.
Purja has faced allegations of sexual assault, which he has denied through his lawyer. In 2018, he received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his mountaineering achievements. His 2019 feat, Project Possible, was documented in the film '14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible.' He has since established an expedition guiding company and a mountaineering apparel brand, and advocates for Nepali mountain guides.
Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nadhira Alharthy have been identified among the deceased. Search operations for the remaining six climbers are ongoing, facing harsh weather conditions.