TRAGIC incident on Mount Everest: Indian climber, 45, dies on Mount Everest due to altitude sickness

The mighty Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on planet Earth, struck another victim. West Bengal mountaineer Subrata Ghosh, 45, died on the mountain, the second fatality of the climbing season. Ghosh was a member of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar–Snowy Everest Expedition 2025 and had climbed to the top but met with death during his descent.

The tragic descent

Ghosh, as per reports, had reached the top on Saturday afternoon but started showing signs of altitude sickness while descending. Even though Ghosh's Sherpa guide, Champal Tamang, tried to help him, Ghosh would not proceed with.The "death zone" above 8,000 meters where the oxygen level is critically low poses particularly risk to climbers. Tamang tried to bring Ghosh down but failed and returned from Camp IV single-handedly, reporting the incident early Friday morning.

The risks of high-altitude climbing

The accident points up the dangers of climbing at high altitudes. The "death zone," above 8,000 meters where the oxygen is critically low, is especially dangerous for climbers. The Hillary Step, where Ghosh died, is famously difficult terrain, and numerous climbers have lost their lives on its rocky outcroppings.

A devastating season

This climbing season already has one tragic accident to its name, with Philipp II Santiago, a 45-year-old Filipino climber, dying at the South Col, a high-altitude base camp below the summit. Santiago was part of a foreign expedition organized by Snowy Horizon Treks, the same team of individuals Ghosh was part of.

The challenges of Climbing Everest

Climbing Mount Everest is a challenging feat that demands vast experience, physical strength, and mental resilience. The extreme altitude, extreme weather, and steep slopes make it a dangerous climb. In spite of the danger, numerous explorers are attracted by the grandeur of the mountain and the feeling of triumph in being on its peak.

Retrieval efforts underway

An effort is underway to recover Ghosh's body and bring it back to base camp. The exact reason for death will be ascertained after a post-mortem examination.

Subrata Ghosh death a grim reminder

The death of Subrata Ghosh is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with high-altitude climbing. As climbers continue to push the boundaries of human endurance, it's essential to acknowledge the dangers and respect the power of nature. Our thoughts are with Ghosh's family and loved ones during this difficult time.