17 climbers killed in Everest's deadliest avalanche triggered by Nepal earthquake
Rescuers rush to save mountaineers after avalanche, with one Hongkonger escaping disaster on the peak for second year in row
Climbers on the world's highest mountain pleaded for help yesterday after a massive earthquake triggered Everest's deadliest avalanche killing 17 people.
The area was crowded with foreign mountaineers and their sherpa teams at the start at the climbing season when the avalanche hit, destroying camps and sending slabs of ice crashing in what was described as a "huge disaster".
One of those killed was Dan Fredinburg, a Google engineer based in California. He suffered head injuries when the avalanche hit, according to a statement from the mountaineering company that had taken him to base camp.
"Running for life from my tent. Unhurt. Many, many people up the mountain," tweeted Romanian climber Alex Gavan who had been preparing to ascend nearby Lhotse, the world's fourth highest peak.
"Huge disaster. Helped, searched and rescued victims through huge debris area. Many dead. Much more badly injured. More to die if not heli asap," he later tweeted.
Today, 17 people were confirmed dead on the mountain and 61 people were injured. Rescue efforts were underway, but heavy snow was initially preventing helicopters from reaching climbers, an official said.
