• Source:JND
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In a fatal mishap, a 31-year-old trekker was killed on Mount Nama in Sichuan, China, after reportedly untying his safety rope to take photographs near the summit. The incident, captured on video, has raised concerns about safety measures and preparedness among amateur climbers.

The victim, identified only by his surname Hong was in a group of climbers who were trying to conquer the 5,588-metre (18,332-foot) summit on September 25. Witnesses said Hong took off his safety rope and did not have an ice axe while he fell on the snowy slope. The fall was estimated to be from 100 to 200 metres.

Video Shows Fatal Slip

Video shared on Chinese social media shows Hong beside a steep icy part of the mountain without his safety line. As he attempted to correct his balance, he lost his footing, likely due to his crampons, the metal spikes on the bottom of boots used for ice traction and slid down the slopes. Other mountain climbers were observed shocked as Hong went out of sight. Rescue workers arrived on the scene in time but verified that he had passed away prior to receiving assistance. His body was then retrieved and sent to nearby Gongga Mountain Town.

Local officials confirmed that Hong's team had not acquired proper climbing permits or alerted officials to their climbing itinerary. The Kangding Municipal Education and Sports Bureau said that the climbers had violated a number of elementary safety regulations. "If the crampons were not removed and the rope was not loosened, this accident could have been avoided," said a bureau official.

The Sichuan Mountaineering Association made it clear that Hong was no professional guide. He was a holder of a climbing assistant's certificate and sometimes guided hikes but not even trained as a guide. His cousin confirmed that Hong was trying to climb Mount Nama for the first time.

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Nama Peak or Mount Nama is found in the Gongga Mountain Range of the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The base camp trek is some 15 km, and the last climb gets steep and technical. Proper gear, such as crampons, ice axes, helmets, and ropes, should be used by climbers who are warned by authorities.

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They also cautioned amateur mountaineers against dislodging safety equipment or making dangerous moves for pictures. "Small errors at high altitude can be lethal," said a local official. The accident is a stark reminder of the risks of high-altitude mountaineering and the need to adhere to safety guidelines.