Legendary mountaineer Nirmal Purja dies in Pakistan mountains
British climber of Nepali origin Nirmal Purja and nine others have died following avalanches on Broad Peak in Pakistan.
Elite Exped, a company specializing in mountain expeditions, has officially announced the death of the world-famous British climber of Nepali origin, Nirmal Purja. The tragedy occurred during an expedition on Broad Peak, one of the most dangerous summits in Pakistan's Karakoram range.
Purja passed away alongside nine other climbers. Disaster struck last Thursday when violent avalanches swept over the 10-strong group, burying them under tons of snow and ice on the slopes of the mountain.
Rescue teams are currently working in extremely harsh conditions. On Friday, rescuers located four bodies and recovered three of them. However, deteriorating weather and heavy snowstorms forced a temporary suspension of operations, grounding the search helicopters.
Supported by Pakistani military helicopters, rescue teams resumed the search on Saturday morning to recover the remaining six bodies. The operation continues to face exceptional challenges, including record-low temperatures and rugged terrain.