Climbing
A Pakistani porter died on K2 on July 27, 2023. While the circumstances of his death are unclear, it appears to be confirmed that he was alive for three hours while somewhere between 50-150 climbers stepped over his dying body on their ascent and descent.
Video footage from several angles as well as drone footage, has emerged on social media, showing the Pakistani porter still alive and moving. While apparently, some attempted CPR, most stepped over the dying man on their way to the peak without regard.
Kristin Harila, the Norwegian climber whose recent summit of K2 completed her world record for climbing the world’s 14 8,000m peaks, and her team came across the porter during that ascent and says she and her team did everything in their power to help him. Her full account is worth a read.
“Lama, myself and especially Gabriel, did everything we could for him at the time. This happened at the most dangerous part of the deadliest mountain in the world, and you should remember that at 8000+ meters, your survival instincts impact the decisions you make.”
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Outrage has been notable on social channels, and Asif Ullah Khan, Secretary of Tourism, has established a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident.
Hassan died in an area known as ‘The Bottleneck,” and video footage shows why the area is so aptly named. As accounts vary, it is unclear whether he was struck by an avalanche or his oxygen mask broke. However, what the footage does show is the commercial nature of the hike and the human toll.
Hassan can be seen in the video in black pants and a yellow jacket, lying motionless across the path.
Viewers’ discretion is advised.
K2, Bottleneck traverse. This section of the climb is INSANE. You spend several hours underneath a giant ice cliff in an exposed position at 8200m+, 1/3 normal oxygen levels & knowledge that many people slipped and fallen off from here. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/i0QFNM1kxb
— Everest Today (@EverestToday) August 5, 2023
⚠️ Warning : Disturbing Video
Another video of Pakistani HAP Muhammad Hassan's dead body at the K2 Bottleneck.
He struggled for 3 hours hanging upside down to a rope & no one helped him but instead continued for summit.
Companies wins, humanity lost#Karakoram pic.twitter.com/htyIe6ye84— The Northerner (@northerner_the) August 6, 2023
