 "Representational image. Reuters")
Two experienced international climbers, a Frenchman and a South Korean, died while attempting to scale Nepal’s renowned Ama Dablam mountain, officials confirmed on Monday.
The deaths add to the growing number of mountaineering fatalities recorded in the Himalayas this year.
The first victim was identified as 65-year-old Hugo Lucio Colonia Lazaro from France. Lazaro was critically injured last week when he was struck on the head by a falling piece of ice during his expedition.
He was immediately evacuated by helicopter and flown to Kathmandu for urgent medical treatment. Despite the quick rescue operation and immediate care, he succumbed to his injuries.
In a separate incident on the same peak, 66-year-old Hong Khy Park from South Korea lost his life. Homnath Bhattarai from the J’Vill Nepal Treks company reported that Park was climbing with five teammates when he suddenly collapsed.
Although immediate attempts were made to save him, he died before he could be brought down for further medical assistance.
The ‘Matterhorn of the Himalayas’
Ama Dablam, standing at 6,814 metres (22,356 feet) in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, is famous for its dramatic, steep slopes and challenging nature, earning it the nickname, the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas.”
The mountain’s unpredictable weather conditions dominate the skyline along the popular Everest Base Camp trekking route, making it a favourite for experienced climbers seeking a demanding ascent short of the world’s highest peak.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe autumn climbing season attracts a large number of mountaineers, with Nepal issuing approximately 400 permits for Ama Dablam this year.