An avalanche hits the Broad Peak expedition in northern Pakistan and leaves about ten climbers feared missing, according to multiple reports. The Alpine Club of Pakistan receives initial information that the avalanche struck the party led by Nirmal Purja, and that the climbers have been out of communication since then, club vice-president Karrar Haidri says in a statement. Pakistani authorities prepare search efforts, including a helicopter search, as officials work to locate the team.
The reports describe the expedition as international in composition. One outlet says the climbing group includes climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, China, and Oman, along with Purja. Another report also states that the team includes five Nepalese climbers and identifies Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi among the group.
One source adds that a tracking device indicates movement, suggesting the climbers may not be stationary. However, despite the tracking information, around ten climbers are still reported missing following the avalanche on the high-altitude mountain.
