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Record-Setting Climber Nirmal Purja, Nine Others Die in Pakistan Avalanche

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Celebrated Nepali climber Nirmal Purja and nine others died in an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak.
  • Purja, known for his record-breaking ascent of the world's 14 highest mountains, was 43.
  • The group was caught in the avalanche on July 30, with climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, the US, and China among the deceased.

Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who previously set a world record for the fastest ascent of the 14 highest mountains, has tragically died in an avalanche in Pakistan. His expedition organizing company, Elite Exped, confirmed the devastating news on Instagram.

Purja, 43, and nine other members of his expedition were swept away by an avalanche on Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain in the world, on July 30. The mountain, located in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, is known for its technical climbing challenges.

Today it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak.

— Elite ExpedThe expedition organizing company confirmed the death of Nirmal Purja.

Among the 10 climbers who perished were individuals from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, the United States, and China. Purja, a former Gurkha in the British special forces, achieved global fame after the release of the Netflix documentary "14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible," which chronicled his 2019 record-setting achievement.

The avalanche occurred around midday on July 30, marking a significant loss for the mountaineering community. Purja's ascent of the 8,051-meter peak was part of an expedition that has now ended in tragedy.

We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive.

— Elite ExpedThe company also confirmed the deaths of other expedition members.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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