Ganderbal:- A major tragedy was averted on Saturday afternoon after a shooting stone hit a tourist vehicle near Pani Matha area of Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway, damaging the vehicle but leaving all occupants safe.
According to reports, an Innova vehicle bearing registration number JK01AU-9926, carrying tourists, was returning towards Sonamarg after sightseeing at Zero Point Zojila when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses said that heavy traffic congestion had developed near Pani Matha at Zojila Pass due to movement of vehicles on the highway. During the traffic halt, the driver and tourists onboard reportedly stepped out of the vehicle to witness the traffic situation and capture photographs of the scenic Zojila Pass.
However, within moments, a huge shooting stone suddenly rolled down from the nearby hill slope and struck the parked Innova vehicle with force, causing damage to the vehicle.
Fortunately, all the tourists and the driver had already moved out of the vehicle at the time of the incident, resulting in a miraculous escape. No loss of life or injuries were reported during the incident.
The incident created panic among commuters and tourists present at the spot, while locals and fellow travelers rushed towards the area soon after the shooting stone hit the vehicle.
Officials said that despite the damage to the vehicle, all passengers remained safe.
Authorities have advised commuters and tourists to remain cautious while traveling through hilly areas and to avoid unnecessary halts at vulnerable locations prone to shooting stones and landslides.
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