Islamabad: Famed climber Nirmal Purja was among ten people killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak, the world's 12th tallest mountain, in northern Pakistan, his company announced Saturday. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the mountaineering community as rescue operations continue under perilous conditions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Purja was leading a 10-member expedition that included climbers from various countries including Oman, Pakistan, China, the US, and Nepal. The expedition agency Elite Exped confirmed the fatalities, expressing profound sadness over the loss of Purja and the other members of the team.

Rescue teams have managed to recover five bodies, while the remaining five have been spotted, the Alpine Club of Pakistan stated. The club noted that the bodies are situated in a hazardous area, complicating recovery efforts. A multinational rescue operation involving teams from Nepal, Pakistan, and the UK resumed their search with helicopter assistance, but challenging high-altitude conditions persist.

Purja, a former member of the British Army's Special Boat Service, rose to fame for his record-breaking climb of all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters in just over six months, as documented by Netflix. He was also known for leading the first winter ascent of K2. Prior to the accident, Purja aimed to become the first climber to summit all 14 eight-thousanders twice without using supplemental oxygen.

The mountaineering community mourns the loss of these climbers, remembering their courage and dedication. The Broad Peak, at 8,047 meters, is located in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and is notorious for mountaineering incidents.