World-renowned climber Nirmal Purja, a former British Special Forces member, is among 10 climbers feared missing after an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. The Alpine Club of Pakistan received reports on Thursday that an avalanche had struck the team led by the 43-year-old Purja, with no communication from the climbers since, according to club vice-president Karrar Haidri.
The expedition includes five Nepalese climbers, as well as nationals from the US, Pakistan, Oman, and China. Another foreign climber is also part of the group, Haidri stated. The Alpine Club of Pakistan is in contact with government officials to facilitate a search and rescue operation, which may include helicopters if weather conditions allow.
Purja, also known as Nims Dai, made history in 2019 by climbing all 14 of the world's peaks over 8,000 metres in just over six months. Broad Peak, standing at 8,047 metres (26,401 feet) in the Karakoram range, is the world's 12th highest mountain.