A renowned climber who served in the British military for 16 years is among 10 people missing after an avalanche struck one of the world's highest mountains.
Nirmal Purja, who was born in Nepal, spent a decade in Britain's special forces and was awarded an MBE in 2018.
He was leading an international team scaling the 26,401ft Broad Peak in northern Pakistan and has been out of communication since Thursday afternoon.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the expedition includes five Nepalese climbers, plus nationals from Pakistan, Oman, China, and the US.
The club is in contact with government officials about a search and rescue operation, with helicopters mobilised to help should weather conditions allow.
It added that it stands in solidarity with the climbers' families and the international mountaineering community.
Mr Purja, 43, is also known as Nims and is one of the world's most renowned climbers.
He scaled the world's 14 highest peaks in just six months in 2019, holding a record for the fastest climb until a Norwegian climber, Kristin Harila, beat him four years later.
His climbs were the focus of a popular Netflix documentary, 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.
Broad Peak, found in the Karakoram range, is the world's 12th highest mountain.
Before coming to fame for his climbing achievements, he served in the British Army from 2003.
(c) Sky News 2026: Nirmal Purja: Ex-British special forces soldier missing after avalanche
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