2 dead, 2 missing after Mt. Shishapangma avalanche in Tibet

LHASA -- An avalanche hit Mount Shishapangma in Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region on Saturday afternoon, leaving four climbers dead or missing and one other seriously injured, the regional sports bureau said.

According to rescuers, the avalanche occurred at an altitude of over 7,600 meters.

A preliminary investigation revealed that one American climber and one Nepalese climber were killed, another American climber and Nepalese climber were missing, and a Nepalese climber was seriously injured.

Rescuers were dispatched to the base camp of Mt. Shishapangma soon after the avalanche, and all climbing activities have been suspended. As of Saturday evening, the seriously injured Nepalese climber is said to be out of danger and is being escorted down by the rescue team.

Located in Nyalam county under Xigaze, Mt. Shishapangma is the only mountain over 8,000 meters tall situated entirely within China.