WEB DESK: Guan Jing, a Chinese climber, tragically lost her life on Tuesday night after being struck by falling rocks during her descent from K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
The accident took place along the notoriously treacherous Abruzzi Spur route, specifically between Camp I and the Advanced Base Camp, an area known for frequent rockfalls. Guan Jing had successfully reached the summit on Monday alongside a group of climbers before beginning her descent.
Rescue operations to recover her body are currently underway. Meanwhile, other members of the climbing party who also summited K2 that day are safely returning to base camp. Overall, more than 30 climbers successfully reached the summit on Monday.
In a separate incident last month, a Pakistani climber was killed following an avalanche near Camp 1 on K2, the highest point in Pakistan. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), the avalanche impacted four climbers: two managed to retreat safely to base, and one foreign climber sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, Iftikhar Hussain Sadpara from Skardu lost his life in the event, with his body recovered shortly after.
Additionally, last month, Czech mountaineer Klara Kolouchova died after falling between Camps 1 and 2 on Nanga Parbat during her expedition. Kolouchova was notable for being the first Czech woman to summit both Everest and K2, two of the world’s most formidable mountains.
Pakistan is home to five of the 14 mountains exceeding 8,000 meters, including K2, which is often regarded as more challenging than Everest, earning its nickname “Savage Mountain.”
