SK Trekker Dies in Leh; Fellow Climber Rescued by Army Aviation

LEH, Sept 5, 2025 — The Fire and Fury Corps said on Friday that two South Korean trekkers fell critically ill during a mountaineering expedition near Kongmarula, an isolated peak in Ladakh. The Indian Army launched an urgent night casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) by helicopter to airlift the climbers to SNM Hospital in Leh for treatment. Tragically, one of the climbers passed away while receiving medical care.

Night CASEVAC from 17,000 ft

The Fire and Fury Corps said the incident occurred on September 4, when the two mountaineers became seriously unwell at high altitude. Army Aviation crews executed a complex night evacuation from an unprepared site at roughly 17,000 feet — a challenging operation given terrain and elevation — and transported the climbers to Leh for urgent treatment.

Outcome and Condolences

Medical teams at SNM Hospital treated both trekkers upon arrival. Despite medical intervention, one of the climbers succumbed to illness. The Fire and Fury Corps expressed condolences to the bereaved family and underlined the rapid-response nature of CASEVAC missions: quick extraction from life-threatening locations to a medical facility.

What is CASEVAC?

CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) refers to rapid airlift of critically ill/injured people from dangerous or inaccessible sites to hospitals. In high-altitude regions such as Ladakh, CASEVACs are often the only viable option to save lives, but night operations and unprepared landing sites increase the complexity and risks for rescue teams.

Safety Reminder for Trekkers

Authorities routinely urge visitors and high-altitude trekkers to take precautionary measures: acclimatise properly, carry adequate medical kits, travel with experienced guides, and maintain regular check-ins. High altitude combined with sudden weather changes can trigger rapid deterioration in health, even in fit trekkers.

Source: Daily Excelsior (Read Original)

Labels: Leh, Ladakh, CASEVAC, Trekking, Rescue Operations

Tags: #Leh #Ladakh #Trekking #Rescue #ArmyAviation

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