KATHMANDU: Officials have confirmed that two climbers are missing near the Hillary Step on Mount Everest since yesterday morning. The climbers, identified as Daniel Paul Peterson from the UK and Pas Tenji Sherpa from Makalu, Sangkhuwasabha, fell when a section of the route collapsed below the summit point. They were part of the 8K Expeditions team.

The incident occurred as the duo were descending to the lower camps after reaching the summit point around 4:40 am on May 21. Eyewitnesses at the base camp reported that a team led by Nga Tenji Sherpa and Pasang Sherpa of Summit Force Pvt Ltd conducted rescue operations and saved other climbers when the route broke at the Hillary section. Despite immediate rescue efforts, Peterson and Pas Tenji fell down.

Tragically, this incident follows the deaths of Mongolian climbers Usukhjargal Tsedendamba and Prevsuren Lkhagvajav on May 13 while descending from the summit point. The loss of these climbers highlights the risks and challenges associated with mountaineering, especially on treacherous peaks like Mount Everest. The mountaineering community mourns the loss and hopes for the safe return of the missing climbers.