KATHMANDU, MAY 18

A Chinese climber died while ascending the world's highest mountain this morning, sources at the base camp said.

"A Chinese climber breathed his last near the south summit on Mt Everest while heading for the summit push," base camp sources confirmed, adding that they were trying to identify the deceased. The climber was a part of the

Chinese Expedition managed by 8K Expedition Pvt Ltd, sources shared. "We have the information on the death of a Chinese climber near the south summit but have not received the details yet due to poor communication network," it added.

Initial reports said that the climber was trying to change his eyeglass and throw his oxygen canister from the death zone. "Then, he fell down," sources said. Another two climbers - one Chinese and another Mongolian - are being rescued from the balcony area. A Sherpa rescue team from 8K Expedition was doing hard to bring them down safely, sources added.

Mt Everest has recorded eight deaths in the spring season. An Indian woman climber who fell ill at the Mt Everest base camp died in Lukla this morning. Suzanne Leopoldina Jesus from Mumbai breathed her last while undergoing treatment at Lukla-based hospital at around 5:13am on May 18.

Victor Brinza from Moldova breathed his last after he fell ill at South Col on May 17. Phurba Sherpa from Sankhuwasabha breathed his last near Yellow Band above Camp III on May 16. American Doctor Jonathan Sugarman, 69, died during his acclimatization rotation at Camp II on May 01.

On April 12, Dawa Tseri Sherpa, Pemba Tenzing Sherpa, and Lakpa Rita Sherpa were buried in an avalanche that struck an icefall route above the base camp.