2 Dead, 8 Missing After Broad Peak Avalanche

News Desk

Islamabad: A high-altitude rescue operation is underway in Pakistan’s Karakoram range as teams continue searching for eight missing mountaineers after a deadly avalanche struck a group attempting to climb Broad Peak.

Rescue officials confirmed that the bodies of two climbers have been recovered and shifted to Skardu, while efforts remain focused on locating the remaining members of the 10-person expedition team.

The challenging operation is being carried out with support from Pakistan Army helicopters, ground rescue teams, and civilian mountaineers battling difficult weather and extreme terrain at one of the world’s highest mountain regions.

The identities of the two recovered climbers have not yet been officially confirmed, with authorities continuing the identification process.

Leading the ground search is renowned Pakistani mountaineer Sarbaz Khan, who is coordinating rescue efforts across the affected sections of the mountain. Teams are using both aerial surveillance and ground operations to cover areas where the avalanche struck.

Officials said the missing climbers include mountaineers from the United States, China, Nepal, and Oman, along with Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi.

During the same rescue operation, a separate mission was carried out to save an Italian climber who fell ill during a K2 expedition. The climber was successfully airlifted to safety by a Pakistan Army helicopter.

The avalanche occurred while the group was attempting to summit Broad Peak, a 8,051-metre mountain located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan. Known for its extreme conditions, the peak attracts climbers from around the world every year.

Rescue teams said harsh weather, unstable conditions, and the difficult mountainous landscape are making the operation challenging, but efforts will continue to find those still missing.