BEIJING, Oct 8, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - An American mountaineer and her Nepali guide were killed in an avalanche on Mount Shishapangma in Tibet, southwest China, tour companies told AFP on Sunday, with two still missing and one seriously injured.

Mount Shishapangma, one of the highest mountains in the world, peaks at 8,027 metres (26,335 feet) above sea level and is entirely located within Chinese territory.

The accident occurred Saturday afternoon "at an altitude of between 7,600 and 8,000 meters", China's state news agency Xinhua said, citing the Tibet Sports Bureau, which confirmed the toll.

Mingma David Sherpa of Elite Exped, which was handling the expedition, told AFP that Anna Gutu, an American mountaineer, had been killed.

"We have received reports that Anna and her guide were hit by the avalanche yesterday, their bodies have been recovered," he said.

"There are other climbers missing as well and rescue efforts are under way," he said, adding those efforts were complicated by the fact "helicopters cannot be used" on the mountain due to Chinese restrictions.

Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks identified the missing American climber as Gina Marie Rzucidlo and her guide as Tenjin "Lama" Sherpa.

"Two avalanches hit the mountain yesterday, impacting several climbers. Some were injured and two, American climber (Gina Marie Rzucidlo) and our guide Tenjin, are missing," he said.

"Search efforts are underway."

The two women were in a race to become the first American woman to climb all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, according to English-language Nepali newspaper The Himalayan Times.

All mountaineering activities have been suspended on Mount Shishapangma, Xinhua said.