KATHMANDU, Apr 18:
At least seven Nepalese climbing guides were killed and several others injured today after an avalanche struck the Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.
The avalanche occurred at around 6:45 AM at an altitude of about 5,800 metres in an area known as the “popcorn field” which lies on the route into the treacherous Khumbu icefall.
“Seven bodies have been recovered, while five others are buried in the snow at the area,” Jeevan Ghimire, Managing Director of the Peace Nepal Treks, was quoted as saying by the Himalayan Times.
“Some Sherpas, ethnic group from the most mountainous region of Nepal, who went to fix ropes and ferry logistics for other climbers are still unaccounted for after the avalanche,” he said.
Eight of the victims have been rescued and brought to the base camp for treatment.
Helicopters have been sent from Kathmandu to the Everest region to assist in the rescue operations.
“The bodies of four climbers were recovered from the accident site,” said Tilak Pandey, an official at Mountaineering Division of Tourism Ministry.
He said the avalanche hit the Nepalese Sherpa guides and climbers as they were heading towards Camp I from the Base Camp of the Everest.
“There were around 15 climbers from six different expeditions including Alpine Ascent and Summit Nepal, when the avalanche swept them away,” he said.
Himalayan Rescue Association in association with Nepal Army, Armed Police Force personnel and mountain guides carried out the rescue operation at the site, Nepal Trekking Association was quoted as saying by the local media. (PTI)
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