A total of 18 people died in 2023 on the slopes of the world’s highest mountain, Everest, making it the deadliest mountaineering season since the summit was first reached 70 years ago, according to the Himalayan Database, which stores information on all expeditions in the Himalayas, Report informs, citing TASS.
Acute mountain sickness, caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, accounts for nearly half of all deaths. Lower oxygen availability may cause pulmonary and cerebral edema, hallucinations, and tachycardia. Besides, mountaineers have to endure extreme physical stress while climbing and often suffer from dehydration. In some cases, these factors can be fatal.
A total of 317 climbers have perished on Everest during the entire 70-year-long history of successful ascents to the world’s highest mountain. The previous deadliest climbing season, with 17 deaths, was recorded in 2014.