Mount Everest claims another life: Indian climber Banshi Lal among eight deaths this season

In a tragic development, a 46-year-old Indian climber, Banshi Lal, who had been rescued from Mount Everest, succumbed to his injuries in Nepal. This incident brought the death toll on the world's highest peak to eight for the current climbing season, according to Nepal's tourism authorities. Initially, a British climber and two Nepali guides were reported missing, but they were later presumed dead, local media sources indicated. Despite the fatalities, this season's death toll remains lower than the previous year, which saw a record 18 climbers perish.

Kenyan Climber Among the Victims

Last week, Kenyan climber Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, 40, died on Mount Everest, officials reported. Kirui and his Sherpa guide, Nawang, 44, had been missing above the Hillary Step since Wednesday morning. Kirui's body was recovered late Wednesday, about 19 meters below the 8,849-meter peak, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism. Nawang's body has not yet been found.

"It is not clear whether they went missing before reaching the peak or after climbing," said Khim Lal Gautam, head of the Expedition Monitoring and Facilitation Field Office at the base camp.

Korir Sing’oei, Kenya's principal secretary for foreign affairs, expressed his devastation over the loss of his friend, describing Kirui as a "fearless, audacious spirit" who embodied the indomitable will of many Kenyans. Kirui had attempted the summit without supplemental oxygen, highlighting the special preparations and risks involved in his final Instagram post.

Other Recent Fatalities

The recent fatalities also included two Mongolian climbers who died last week while descending from the summit. Additionally, a British man and a Sherpa guide went missing after slipping and falling near the South Summit on Tuesday.

Mount Everest: A Graveyard for Many

Since the first successful ascent by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953, about 7,000 climbers have reached Everest’s peak, many making multiple attempts. Over 335 climbers have lost their lives in the pursuit. Everest remains a significant source of tourism revenue and employment for Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks.