Story perspectives

Broad Peak Avalanche Kills Ten, Two Still Missing

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The July 30, 2026 Broad Peak avalanche killed ten climbers from Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, China, Britain and the United States.
Helicopters moved eight bodies, including climber Nirmal Purja, to Skardu on August 5.
Pakistani guide Sohail Sakhi and American climber Mallory Geis remain missing.
Purja’s remains will be flown to the United Kingdom.
Hundreds gathered for a candle-lighting and two-minute silence at the Nepal consulate in New York, with diplomats from five nations present.

History

Historical Context

On 10–11 May 1996, a sudden blizzard on Everest’s South Col killed eight climbers, including guides Rob Hall of Adventure Consultants and Scott Fischer of Mountain Madness. The tragedy, part of a season that saw 12 deaths—the deadliest to date—exposed the risks of rapidly commercialized expeditions, prompting Nepal to tighten permit limits and require certified guides, standards still debated today.

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Story summary

The July 30, 2026 Broad Peak avalanche killed ten climbers from Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, China, Britain and the United States.
Helicopters moved eight bodies, including climber Nirmal Purja, to Skardu on August 5.
Pakistani guide Sohail Sakhi and American climber Mallory Geis remain missing.
Purja’s remains will be flown to the United Kingdom.
Hundreds gathered for a candle-lighting and two-minute silence at the Nepal consulate in New York, with diplomats from five nations present.

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