Fire destroys hotel near Everest base camp in Nepal: Brits caught in drama say ‘no-one can come to rescue us’

A fire destroyed Hotel Good Luck in Dingboche, near the route to Mount Everest’s base camp, as severe snowfall and avalanche risk hampered rescue efforts. The incident matters to trekkers stranded in the area and to a popular stop on the Everest route, though all hotel guests and staff were evacuated safely.

Police said the fire began at about 11am local time on Friday and may have been caused by a cooking gas cylinder explosion; an investigation is under way. The 17-room hotel’s wooden construction and gas cylinders in the kitchen helped the blaze spread and made it difficult to fight. Trekkers have been unable to travel higher or descend while waiting for the weather to clear.