Yesterday while descending from camp 2 towards camp 1 Ron had unclipped from the fixed rope as he has done before due to the long line of climbers on it.
But the experienced climber was tired and dehudrated from teh time at camp 3 and suddenly slipped and started sliding down the ridge towards North Col.
This is from his own story as published on
www.everest2004.nl (dutch)
He could not brake and was accellerating towards the steep dropp to the glacier below; his last option to grap the fixed rope was taken away when a Bulgarian climber lifted the rope so Ron could not grab it anymore. Apparently the climber (who was attached to the rope) was afraid of falling one meter, so he rather had Ron falling towards his death than risking an innocent fall himself. :?)
Ron slid to the edge but could brake himself on the rocks near the edge, making a somersault in the process. He is now safe in ABC, thanks to the Czechs, with bruised hands, legs and ankles and pain in many places. His down suit is wrecked as well, but the ankles are the main concern as this will decide if he can climb again after a week of rest or if the expedition is over....
to be continued when there is more news.
UPDATE:
Just got an email from Ron; he is doing relatively fine, his ankle is swollen he does not know if this will allow a final assault on the summit.
Further more he told me his motivation that was 200% before th start is declining quickly as it 'actually no fun place here'.
Good luck Ron!