Two Indian climbers die during Everest descent after reaching summit
PTC Web Desk: Two Indian mountaineers lost their lives while returning from the summit of Mount Everest, Nepalese officials confirmed on Friday. The climbers were identified as Arun Kumar Tiwari and Sandeep Are, both of whom had successfully reached the world’s highest peak before facing difficulties during their descent.
According to expedition officials in Nepal, Sandeep Are scaled the 8,848.86-metre peak on Wednesday, while Arun Kumar Tiwari reached the summit on Thursday evening. However, both climbers reportedly became severely exhausted while making their way back down from the mountain.
Rishi Bhandari, secretary general of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal, said Sherpa guides made continuous efforts to rescue the climbers and bring them to safety. Despite repeated attempts, the two could not survive the harsh conditions on the mountain.
Officials said Are collapsed due to extreme fatigue during the descent. Sherpa guides managed to move him from the Balcony area to the South Col overnight, but his condition continued to deteriorate and he later died.
Tiwari was descending with two experienced Sherpa guides when he reportedly became weak near the Hillary Step, one of the most dangerous sections close to the summit route. Rescue teams tried to assist him, but he could not be saved.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact time of Tiwari’s death.
The latest tragedy has pushed the death toll on Everest this season to five. Earlier, three Nepali climbers had also lost their lives during the ongoing expedition period.
This year’s Everest season has also witnessed record-breaking activity. On Wednesday alone, 274 climbers successfully reached the summit from the Nepal side, setting a new record for the highest number of ascents in a single day during the spring climbing season.
- With inputs from agencies
