Karl Unterkircher, a member of the Italian team that recently established a new route on Chongra Peak (22,402′), Pakistan (read the July 10, 2008 NewsWire), has suffered an extremely serious fall on Nanga Parbat (26,660′). The team of three climbers, comprised of Unterkircher, Simon Kehrer and Walter Nones, were attempting a new route on the Rakhiot Face of the mountain. Kehrer contacted base camp via satellite phone to inform them that Unterkircher had fallen–an accident that has been confirmed by his manager, Herbert Mussner.
“Walter Nones and Simon Kehrer had to continue their ascent of Nanga Parbat as it was impossible for them to return via the same route,” Mussner stated.
It is unclear precisely what Unterkircher’s condition is at the present, but the Italian team has not expressed optimism in regards to performing a rescue. More information will be posted on Alpinist.com as it becomes available.