 The Khumbu Icefall in 2005. The ice avalanche came from a serac fall from an ice bulge on Mount Everest's western shoulder (centre left), above the icefall. | |
| Date | 18 April 2014 |
|---|---|
| Time | 06:45 local time (01:00 UTC) |
| Location | Khumbu Icefall, Mount Everest |
| Coordinates | 27°59′32″N 86°52′38″E / 27.99222°N 86.87722°E |
| Cause | Avalanche |
| Deaths | 16 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 9 |
On 18 April 2014, seracs on the western spur of Mount Everest failed, resulting in an ice avalanche that killed sixteen climbing Sherpas in the Khumbu Icefall. This was the same icefall where the 1970 Mount Everest disaster had taken place. Thirteen bodies were recovered within two days, while the remaining three were never recovered due to the great danger in attempting such an expedition. Many Sherpas were angered by what they saw as the Nepalese government's meager offer of compensation to victims' families, and threatened a protest or strike. On 22 April, the Sherpas announced they would not work on Everest for the remainder of 2014 as a mark of respect for the victims.