Newsflash: The following newsflash is a preliminary report posted as a service to our readers. Alpinist has not confirmed the veracity of its contents but will post a story in detail when more information becomes available.–Ed.
Early this morning, an avalanche broke off from the serac-laden West Shoulder of Everest, burying Sherpa climbers carrying loads from Base Camp to Camps I and II. Early reports estimate 12 or more dead and several others injured; the slide destroyed a section of fixed ropes and ladders in the upper Khumbu Icefall, leaving an estimated 100 people in the Western Cwm with no prepared route back down the mountain. Helicopters have been dispatched to assist in rescues.