A recent video shared by a mountain guide captures the dramatic collapse of a cornice on Mount Everest, highlighting the perils of climbing the world’s highest peak amidst overcrowded conditions. The guide detailed the near-miss his team experienced and the challenging rescue operation that ensued.
Cornices, the overhanging edges of snow on mountain ridges, pose significant risks to climbers. The video, shared by Vinayak Malla, an International Federation of Mountain Guides (IFMGA) guide, depicts the chaos and tense moments during his expedition.
Malla’s harrowing recollection
Vinayak Malla recounted the harrowing events of May 21, describing how the summit ridge felt more perilous than in his previous experiences. “There was soft snow, many cornices, and rocky sections covered in snow. The weather station was even half buried in snow,” Malla said.
After reaching the summit, the climbers encountered slow-moving traffic and witnessed a cornice collapse just meters ahead. Despite the danger, four climbers managed to rescue themselves, while two others were later found dead.
Fatalities near Everest’s summit
Nepali climber Binod Babu Bastakoti and Kenyan climber Cheruiyot Kirui were confirmed dead near the summit. Bastakoti succumbed to altitude sickness while descending from Camp IV, and Kirui, who attempted the climb without supplemental oxygen, was found by rescuers just below the summit.
Overcrowding exacerbates climbing risks
Malla emphasized the challenges posed by overcrowding, which creates hurdles in navigating through congested traffic and managing dwindling oxygen supplies. To ensure their safety, Malla and his team opted for a new route to return to Base Camp after their climb.