A search team pulled Lance Naik Hanamanthappa from an icy coffin deep in the snow, where he had been buried alive at an altitude of more than 19,000 feet.
Highlights
- Condition of soldier rescued in Siachen has worsened: Army Hospital
- Pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ dysfunction continues: Hospital
- Lance Naik Koppad was found alive after being under thick ice for 6 days
Soldier Hanamanthappa Koppad's condition has worsened two days after his miracle rescue at Siachen Glacier, where he was buried alive in an avalanche nearly a week ago.
"His condition has deteriorated despite aggressive therapy and supportive care," said a medical bulletin released by the Army Research and Referral hospital on Wednesday.
The assessment followed a visit by specialists from the AIIMS hospital.
"He continues to remain extremely critical with evidence of oxygen deprivation to the brain on CT scan. There is evidence of pneumonia in both lungs. His multi-organ dysfunction state continues unabated," the hospital statement said.
Lance Naik Hanamanthappa, 33, was trapped for six days under 25 feet of snow in temperatures of minus 45 degrees Celsius when a massive block of ice a kilometer wide came crashing down on his army post in the world's highest battlefield, killing nine of his colleagues.
He was pulled out on Monday by a rescue team that found him in a fibre-reinforced hut, barely conscious, drowsy and disoriented, with a faint pulse. After the army had all but given up hope of finding anyone alive, cheers broke out among the troops and a general burst into tears.
"We hope the miracle continues," the army said in a statement later. "Pray with us."
Doctors say Hanamanthappa is severely dehydrated, hypothermic and in shock. He also has pneumonia and liver and kidney problems.
Many across India including stars, priests and politicians held prayers for the soldier today.
School children in Karnataka gathered outside Hanamanthappa's home to offer prayers.
In Mumbai, a group of Dabbawallahs or lunch carriers gathered on the streets to pray, holding posters with get well messages.
In Varanasi, priests lit large traditional oil lamps and chanted devotional prayers for the jawan.
Wishes and messages for the soldier also poured in on social media. A woman in Uttar Pradesh and an ex-sailor have offered to donate their organs to save him.