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Seven feared dead in K2 avalanche Seven feared dead in K2 avalanche
(40 minutes later)
At least seven climbers are feared dead in an avalanche after scaling the world's second-highest mountain, K2, expedition organisers have said.At least seven climbers are feared dead in an avalanche after scaling the world's second-highest mountain, K2, expedition organisers have said.
There are fears more of the climbers, who are of mixed nationalities, could have died in the accident in northern Pakistan, but others reached safety. There are fears more climbers could have died in the accident in northern Pakistan, or still be trapped, but others did reach safety.
A chunk from an ice pillar snapped away on Friday and broke ropes on a feature called the Bottleneck, reports said.A chunk from an ice pillar snapped away on Friday and broke ropes on a feature called the Bottleneck, reports said.
Only a few hundred people have climbed K2 and dozens have died in the attempt.Only a few hundred people have climbed K2 and dozens have died in the attempt.
Fatality rateFatality rate
One Basque climber who reached safety, Alberto Zerain, told reporters an 18-person international expedition hit trouble on descent. There are reports some mountaineers may be stuck above the Bottleneck, unable to descend as the fixed ropes are broken.
The mountaineers included Koreans, Pakistanis, Nepalis, a Dutchman and an Italian, reports said, but there are other nationalities and the exact details are unclear. Climbers call the area the Death Zone as lack of oxygen at that altitude can cause bodies to degenerate.
The weather is thought to be fair but the Pakistani military is still unsure whether a rescue attempt can be made at such an altitude.
One Basque climber who reached safety, Alberto Zerain, told reporters that one 18-person international expedition had hit trouble on descent.
The mountaineers include Koreans, Pakistanis, Nepalis, a Dutchman and an Italian, reports say, but there are other expeditions and nationalities and the exact details are unclear.
One of the climbers reported missing is Gerard McDonnell, 37, from County Limerick in Ireland, the first Irish person to reach the mountain's summit.One of the climbers reported missing is Gerard McDonnell, 37, from County Limerick in Ireland, the first Irish person to reach the mountain's summit.
One expedition leader, Dutchman Wilco van Rooijen, was reported safe, as was Italian climber Marco Confortola. Mountaineer Chris Bonnington talks about the dangers of K2
He was on the Norit K2 expedition. Its leader, Dutchman Wilco van Rooijen, was reported safe, as was Italian climber Marco Confortola. But Frenchman Hugues d'Aubarede is missing.
Many regard K2, at 8,611 metres (28,251 ft), the most difficult mountain in the world to climb.Many regard K2, at 8,611 metres (28,251 ft), the most difficult mountain in the world to climb.
The fatality rate for those who reach the summit at 27% is about three times higher than that for Mount Everest.The fatality rate for those who reach the summit at 27% is about three times higher than that for Mount Everest.
One of the worst single-day death tolls was on Everest on 11 May, 1996, when eight people died in summit attempts.One of the worst single-day death tolls was on Everest on 11 May, 1996, when eight people died in summit attempts.
Six people fell to their deaths or disappeared during a storm on K2 on 13 August, 1995.
The summit of K2 was first reached by two Italians, Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni, on 31 July 1954.