Investigation Launched into Death of Pakistani Porter on K2
ISLAMABAD (AP) — An investigation has been launched into the death of a Pakistani porter near the peak of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, following allegations that climbers had walked past the injured man without offering assistance.
The incident occurred on July 27, overshadowing the record-breaking achievement of Norwegian climber Kristin Harila and her Sherpa guide Tenjin. Harila and Tenjin became the world’s fastest climbers by scaling the world’s 14 highest mountains in just 92 days.
Harila has denied any responsibility for the death of the porter, Mohammed Hassan, who slipped and fell off a narrow trail in a dangerous area of K2 known as the bottleneck. In an Instagram post, she expressed anger at those blaming others for the tragedy and stated that no one was at fault.
However, two other climbers who were on K2 that day, Austrian Wilhelm Steindl and German Philip Flaemig, have alleged that Hassan could have been saved if climbers had abandoned their summit attempts to rescue him. Drone footage reviewed by Steindl showed numerous climbers passing by the injured porter.
Steindl described the footage as showing a desperate man trying to keep Hassan alive by rubbing his chest. He also pointed out that a line of 70 climbers can be seen marching towards the summit.
The climbers accused of neglecting Hassan include Harila and her team. Steindl argued that if a Westerner had been in Hassan’s position, every effort would have been made to save them.
Steindl and Flaemig reconstructed the events after aborting their own climb due to difficult weather conditions. They visited Hassan’s family and set up a crowdfunding campaign, which has raised over 114,000 euros ($125,000) in just three days.
Hassan, a 27-year-old father of three, was working as a porter for the Lela Peak Expedition company. Anwar Syed, the head of the company, stated that several people tried to help Hassan by providing oxygen and warmth, but their efforts were in vain.
Due to the dangerous conditions at the bottleneck, it is not possible to retrieve Hassan’s body and hand it over to his family. The company has provided financial assistance to Hassan’s family and will continue to support them.
The investigation into Hassan’s death is being conducted by officials in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which has jurisdiction over K2. The Pakistan Alpine Club, a sports organization that governs mountaineering in Pakistan, is also involved in the investigation.
The incident has raised questions about the lack of rescue efforts and the qualifications of high-altitude porters. Flaemig alleged that Hassan did not have the necessary experience or equipment for high-altitude climbing.
The tragic death of Mohammed Hassan has sparked a debate about the responsibilities of climbers and the need for proper safety measures on treacherous mountains like K2.
What are the ethical obligations of climbers towards each other in extreme conditions, and what responsibilities do they have to assist those in need?
Empt and offered assistance. Steindl and Flaemig claim that they saw Hassan lying injured on the trail, but the other climbers ignored him and continued towards the summit.
The incident has sparked outrage within the climbing community and has raised questions about the ethics and responsibilities of climbers towards each other in extreme conditions. The death of Mohammed Hassan serves as a tragic reminder of the risks involved in mountaineering and highlights the need for a code of conduct among climbers.
The investigation, launched by the Pakistani authorities, aims to uncover the truth behind the incident and determine any possible negligence on the part of the climbers who allegedly passed by Hassan without helping him. Authorities have also called for cooperation from all those involved and any witnesses who may have valuable information.
K2 is notorious for its unforgiving conditions and treacherous paths, leading climbers to rely heavily on teamwork and support from others during their ascent. The incident has prompted discussions within the mountaineering community about implementing stricter regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all climbers.
As the investigation continues, authorities are hopeful that it will provide clarity and closure regarding the circumstances surrounding Hassan’s death. The findings may also serve as a catalyst for changes in the climbing community to prevent similar incidents in the future and promote a culture of solidarity and responsibility among climbers on challenging expeditions.
This is such a tragic accident. Sending my deepest condolences to the porter’s family.