Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of four mountaineers following the avalanche that struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, rescue officials said on Friday, as efforts continue to locate the remaining missing climbers.
According to rescue sources, one of the deceased is a Pakistani climber, while the identities of the other victims will be announced after formal identification.
The avalanche hit the world’s 12th-highest mountain during an international expedition, leaving 10 climbers missing, including renowned Nepalese-born British mountaineer Nirmal Purja.
Earlier, the Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that contact had been lost with the expedition after the avalanche. The missing team includes five Nepali climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, Omani climber Natheerah, American climber Mallory Geis, one Chinese climber, and another foreign mountaineer whose identity has not been disclosed.
Officials said rescue operations remain underway, although adverse weather conditions continue to hamper search efforts.
Standing 8,047 metres above sea level, Broad Peak is one of Pakistan’s most challenging high-altitude peaks and the 12th-highest mountain in the world.