Kathmandu, 29.04.2013, 14:25
Police are investigating the circumstances of the brawl on the world's highest mountain between European climbers and Nepalese guides. ''The guides became aggressive. Not only did they punch and kick, they also threw stones,'' said the Italian climber involved in the incident on Mount Everest.
Himalaya - Mount Everest
Even on the highest mountain there is no peace.
Nepalese police are investigating the circumstances of the brawl on the world's highest mountain between two European climbers and Nepalese guides.
Swiss climber Ueli Steck and Italian Simone Moro were approaching the camp at 7470 meters. The pair allegedly ignored orders to stop climbing while the Sherpas were fixing ropes. The Sherpas then attacked the pair upon their return to the tents. After the incident, the climbers packed their essentials and returned to the lowest base camp on Everest, as it was the ''safest place'', said experienced Italian climber Moro.
According to another version of events, the guides asked the climbers to wait so they could proceed ahead to secure the ropes. But the climbers continued, and a piece of ice broke off and fell on the guides. Moro stated that ''falls of ice chunks are normal'' on the ice wall, but no Sherpa came to him to show the injury.
The climbers believe that proceeding ahead and climbing roped-free much faster than the guides hurt the pride of the Sherpa leader. Upon returning to the tents, a large group allegedly attacked Moro, Steck, and also the third team member, Briton Jonathan Griffith.
'The guides became aggressive. Not only did they punch and kick, but they also threw stones,'' said Moro. An unnamed witness said the incident looked horrific, that they almost killed them.
Tourism Minister Dipendra Paudel said they will do everything for climbers' safety. ''It was a misunderstanding and a communication gap,'' said the minister, adding that the climbers will continue their ascent to Everest's summit. The Sherpas will apologize to the climbers.
Since 1953, when it was first summited, more than 3000 people have climbed the world's highest mountain, which stands at 8848 meters.
Summarized from 24ur.com