On July 27, a tragic incident unfolded on the slopes of K2 as over 150 climbers attempted to summit the mountain. As this was happening, a man named Mohammad Hassan was dying in their path. What shocked the world even more was the footage that emerged, showing climbers walking past him without offering assistance. However, a deeper investigation by Insider reveals a much darker story of neglect, fear, and desperation.
In the darkness of the night, the climbers began their ascent. These men and women had been waiting for this moment for months. The winds had finally calmed, providing them with a small window of opportunity to reach the summit of K2. They knew a storm was coming, and if they didn’t seize this chance, they would have to wait another year.
Leading the way was the rope-fixing team, a group of elite Sherpas and guides who were responsible for securing the path for the other climbers. Behind them, a column of headlamps illuminated the mountainside as the climbers made their way up.
Among them was Kristin Harila, a Norwegian climber who would later become the fastest person to summit all 14 of the world’s tallest peaks. And there was Mohammad Hassan, a Pakistani porter carrying equipment for the rope-fixing team. Somewhere between the experienced climbers and Harila, he met his unfortunate fate.
By the end of the summit window, 102 people had successfully reached the top of K2. They safely descended and regrouped at base camp. But Mohammad did not make it back. His death would spark a controversy and raise questions about the ethics and priorities of the climbers who passed him by.
Insider spoke to seven climbers and guides who were on K2 that night, including two who witnessed the immediate aftermath of Mohammad’s fall. Through these conversations, as well as further discussions with mountaineering experts and a friend of Mohammad’s, a clearer picture of the events that unfolded that night has emerged.
K2, often called the “Savage Mountain,” is known for its treacherous conditions. It is significantly more challenging to summit than Mount Everest, and the weather is notoriously unpredictable. The winds can reach hurricane-like speeds, increasing the risk of avalanches and making the climb even more dangerous.
This year, there was only one day with favorable conditions for summiting K2, and that was July 27. Climbers were aware that a storm was approaching, and they believed it was their last chance to reach the top. This led to a surge of climbers on the mountain, all vying for a spot in that narrow window of opportunity.
The risks and dangers were evident. Snow had fallen just days before, making the terrain unstable. The bottleneck section, a deadly wall of ice and rock, became even more hazardous with the increased traffic. Climbers were climbing in the dark, further adding to the danger.
Despite these risks, many climbers pushed forward, hoping for a successful summit. Harila and her team started their climb at 8 p.m., while Friere and Westlake set off at midnight. They hoped that the delayed start would give them some space between the other climbers and make their ascent safer. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
At around 2 a.m., Harila and her team encountered a hold-up caused by the rope-fixing team. They decided to pass other climbers to reach the front and figure out what was causing the delay. Their account of the events was supported by footage and interviews with other climbers.
The investigation by Insider sheds light on the true events that unfolded on that tragic night on K2. While Mohammad’s death and the climbers who passed him continue to be subjects of debate, the larger issue of the risks and ethics involved in mountaineering is brought to the forefront. The investigation also highlights the need for better safety measures and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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