Broad Peak avalanche kills mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine expedition members

Broad Peak became the scene of a deadly mountaineering tragedy after renowned climber and former British Army soldier Nirmal Purja was confirmed among the 10 people killed in an avalanche on the mountain in northern Pakistan. His expedition company, Elite Expeditions, announced the news with “profound sadness and immense heartbreak,” confirming that none of the expedition members survived Thursday’s avalanche.

The incident marks one of the deadliest climbing accidents in Pakistan in recent years and has sent shockwaves through the international mountaineering community.

Elite Expeditions confirms fatalities

In a statement, Elite Expeditions confirmed Purja’s death and said it had received confirmation that the remaining nine members of the expedition had also died in the avalanche.

Pakistani authorities had earlier recovered the bodies of Mallory Geis of the United States, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal, while recovery operations continue in the challenging high-altitude environment.

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A record-breaking mountaineer

Nirmal Purja, who was born in Nepal and later served in the British Army, gained global recognition in 2019 after climbing the world’s 14 highest peaks in just over six months, setting a remarkable mountaineering record.

His achievements inspired climbers around the world and were widely recognised for pushing the limits of high-altitude mountaineering.

Rescue efforts continue

Authorities continue rescue and recovery operations on Broad Peak, where harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain have complicated access to the avalanche site.

Further details are expected as officials continue to identify victims and assess the circumstances surrounding the disaster.