Everest Icefall Avalanche Injures Two Climbers As Sherpa Dies Near Base Camp

A climber from India and a Sherpa worker from Nepal were injured on Monday morning after an avalanche struck the Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest.

According to reports from The Tourism Times, a large serac collapsed above the route through the Icefall during the early morning movement of climbers and support teams.

“A large serac broke off, and a chunk of ice approximately 20m below it collapsed onto the path, striking members of the passing group,” the report stated.

Injured in the incident were Pemba Tenduk Sherpa, working with Seven Summit Treks, and Indian climber Nimish Kumar Singh, a client of Pioneer Adventure. Both were reportedly partially buried by the falling ice before nearby Sherpas rushed to assist them.

The pair were later airlifted to hospital in Kathmandu for treatment. Fortunately, neither is believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.

The avalanche struck shortly before 6am, one of the busiest periods of the day in the Khumbu Icefall as Sherpas and porters transport supplies towards the higher camps.

The incident comes as activity on the mountain continues to increase. Camp 2 is now receiving its first foreign climbers of the season, while the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal has completed route fixing duties up to Camp 3 on the Lhotse Face.

The Khumbu Icefall remains one of the most dangerous sections of the Everest route, with climbers traditionally attempting crossings during the coldest hours of the morning to reduce the risk of collapsing seracs and unstable snow bridges. However, warmer temperatures in recent years have increased concerns about changing conditions in the Icefall.

There was also further tragedy in the Everest region this week following the death of Lakpa Tendi Sherpa, an experienced guide working with Seven Summit Treks.

Lakpa Tendi reportedly suffered a fatal fall at around 5,200m near Gorak Shep while travelling towards Everest Base Camp. Few details surrounding the incident have yet been released.

Meanwhile, another Nepalese worker, 18-year-old Pramish Rai, remains missing near Mera Peak after disappearing while returning from assisting a trekking group.