EliteExped has confirmed the death of renowned climber Nirmal Purja, 43, and his guide Nima Sherpa in the avalanche that struck Broad Peak on Thursday, July 30. It hit all 10 climbers on the mountain. who were pushing for the summit.
“We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition did not survive,” EliteExped’s statement reads. Purja was one of the company’s owners.
The information, while expected, goes against the specific request of Pakistani authorities and the Alpine Club of Pakistan. The ACP explained that they would only confirm the deaths when the bodies were located and properly identified.
We do not know if every victim is currently located: so far, two victims have been retrieved, and a body part from a third. According to the latest news, rescuers carried down the body of one more climber today.
The ground team also reached the site where a drone had previously filmed five bodies. A long-line operation is not an option, Naila Kiani of the Alpine Club of Pakistan told ExplorersWeb. She explained that military helicopters currently do not perform this sort of operation, although a special request may be made.
Rescuers report that they have spotted five bodies in a dangerous area where recovery could involve a high risk. They will continue to assess the situation before deciding their next move, the Alpine Club of Pakistan wrote in an official statement.
