Two climbers, including an Indian mountaineer and a Sherpa guide, were injured early Tuesday morning after a serac collapse struck the Khumbu Icefall route on Mount Everest, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism. The incident occurred during the busy spring climbing season as multiple expedition teams were ascending the mountain.

The injured climbers have been identified as 40-year-old Nimish Kumar Singh from India and 44-year-old Pembha Tenduk Sherpa, a professional mountain guide from Nepal. Officials said the accident took place at approximately 5:45 a.m. when a large mass of unstable glacial ice broke off and sent falling debris onto the main climbing route used by expeditions moving between Camp II and Camp I.

A serac is a towering block of glacial ice formed where crevasses intersect on steep glaciers or icefalls. Such formations are common in high-altitude environments like Everest but are considered extremely dangerous due to their instability. The Khumbu Icefall, where the incident occurred, is widely regarded as one of the most perilous sections of the entire Everest ascent route.

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At the time of the collapse, climbers and Sherpa teams from several expedition agencies were actively engaged in acclimatisation rotations, moving through the icefall as part of their preparation to push higher on the mountain. Rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident by Sherpa teams from Pioneer Adventure Pvt. Ltd. and Summit Force Expedition, who coordinated efforts from Everest Base Camp.

Following the initial response, helicopter evacuation was arranged with support from Seven Summit Trek Pvt. Ltd. A rescue helicopter arrived from Lukla and airlifted both injured climbers to Kathmandu, where they were admitted to HAMS Hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that both individuals are in stable condition and are out of danger.

The incident comes during a peak climbing period on Everest, with Nepal issuing permits to hundreds of climbers this season despite increased royalty fees and operational challenges. Officials said hundreds of climbers from multiple countries, including a significant number from India, are currently attempting various Himalayan peaks as the spring expedition window progresses.

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