An investigation is underway into the tragic death of a Pakistani porter near the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest peak. The porter, Mohammed Hassan, was gravely injured in a fall, and allegations have surfaced that climbers ignored him as they continued their ascent. These accusations have overshadowed the recent achievement of Norwegian climber Kristin Harila and her Sherpa guide, Tenjin, who became the world’s fastest climbers by scaling the world’s 14 highest mountains in just 92 days.
Harila has denied any responsibility for Hassan’s death and expressed anger at those blaming others for the tragic incident. Two other climbers, Austrian Wilhelm Steindl and German Philip Flaemig, have alleged that Hassan could have been saved if climbers, including Harila, had prioritized rescue efforts over reaching the summit.
An investigation into Hassan’s death is being conducted by officials in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which has jurisdiction over K2. Drone footage reviewed by Steindl shows climbers passing by the injured porter without providing assistance. He argues that if the injured person had been a Westerner, the response would have been different.
Steindl also explains that July 27 was the only day during the season when conditions were favorable for reaching the summit, which led to a high number of climbers attempting the climb. He does not directly blame anyone but emphasizes the lack of a rescue operation, which he considers tragic and against normal protocol.
Harila has defended her actions, stating that Hassan was hanging from a rope and that her team was able to pull him back onto the trail after about an hour. She made the decision to continue to the summit while a teammate stayed with Hassan, providing him with water and oxygen. Harila highlights that Hassan lacked proper equipment, such as a down suit, gloves, and oxygen.
In Hassan’s home village, friends and neighbors offered prayers of condolence to his family. He was known for his determination to provide his children with opportunities for education, and his death has deeply saddened those who knew him.
While retrieving Hassan’s body from the dangerous bottleneck may be impossible, his family has received financial assistance from the expedition company he worked for. Steindl visited the family and launched a crowdfunding campaign to support them, which has surpassed its goal.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in mountaineering and the need for proper safety protocols and rescue operations.
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