A recent harrowing incident on Mount Everest has left the climbing community in shock after a cornice collapse nearly claimed the lives of several climbers. The incident, captured on video by mountain guide Vinayak Malla, showcased the chaos and tension that unfolded on the world’s highest peak.
Malla, an experienced International Federation of Mountain Guides (IFMGA) guide, described the treacherous conditions on Everest, with soft snow, unstable cornices, and rocky sections covered in snow. The climbers encountered slow-moving traffic on the summit ridge, leading to a near-death experience as a cornice collapsed just meters ahead of them.
Despite the perilous situation, four climbers managed to rescue themselves, while two others were tragically found dead. Nepali climber Binod Babu Bastakoti succumbed to altitude sickness while descending from Camp IV, while Kenyan climber Cheruiyot Kirui was found a few meters below the summit attempting the climb without supplemental oxygen.
The incident highlights the dangers of overcrowding on Mount Everest, with climbers facing challenges in navigating through congested traffic and dwindling oxygen supplies. Malla and his team were forced to take a new route to safely return to Base Camp after the harrowing climb.
As the climbing season on Everest continues, climbers and guides are reminded of the risks involved in attempting to conquer the world’s highest peak. The recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous conditions that climbers face in their quest to reach the summit.