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2. Disaster on the mountain

As climbers get ready to summit Everest in April 2014, an avalanche caused by ice fall buries sherpas above Base Camp.

Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies. The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas.
Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit in 1993.
She hears how the deadly avalanche unfolded, plus the role sherpas play on Everest, and the risks they have to take.

Presenter: Rebecca Stephens MBE
Producer: Laura Jones
Production Assistance in Kathmandu: Pradeep Bashyal
Sound design: Craig Boardman
Editor: Clare Fordham
Production Coordinators: Gemma Ashman and Ellie Dover
Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Tue 9 Apr 2024 13:45

Broadcast

  • Tue 9 Apr 2024 13:45