The summit of Everest is clear. A British-led climbing team pulled off a last-minute escape from a collapsing ice wall. The drama unfolded on the Hillary Step.
The wall gave way just after the last climber passed. One climber called it 'a near thing.' The team had been delayed by poor weather.
They pushed for the summit against advice. The ice wall collapse could have been a disaster. Avalanches have killed 12 this season.
The Nepal government faces questions about safety. The British team's leader is a former Gurkha. He made a call to press on.
It paid off. The summit is now empty. The mountain is not safe.
More storms are forecast. The season is not over. The Lobby hears whispers of a inquiry.
The optics are bad for the Sherpa community. They want better regulation. The British team is flying home.
They will face media. The story is not going away.
