Tourist faces £168,000 fine for throwing a large rock into a gorge in popular national park
A tourist is facing an eye-watering £168,000 fine for throwing a massive rock down a gorge in a popular national park.
The young man's friend filmed him casting the heavy rock and the video was later uploaded to social media.
Seconds after the large stone was tossed, a deafening bang was heard as it hit the ground several metres below.
The stunt was filmed at a point along the popular Cares Trail in northern Spain 's Picos de Europa National Park.
Of the park's estimated 2m annual visitors, around 300,000 hike the Cares Trail - its most popular walking route.
The clip was later shared by a social media account that features videos of young people throwing rocks into voids.
Although most clips on the page get a handful of views, this one blew up and quickly caught the police's attention.
The Spanish Civil Guard have since announced that they are investigating the young man's antics, as reported by NeedToKnow.
A spokesperson said: 'This stunt could cost you dearly. Throwing this rock could land this person with a fine ranging from €5,001 to €200,000.
'Why? Because disturbing the environment in the Picos de Europa National Park is classed as a very serious offence.
'Keep that in mind when visiting a national park - these are specially protected areas due to their high environmental value.'
Javier said: 'There are livestock farmers who pass through down there. Your little joke could've ended badly.'
Another viewer said: 'You have to be a real idiot - you could've gone down with the rock. The force and weight of that boulder could've smashed someone to pieces.'
A third said: 'There's an alternative path underneath - I just hope no one was down there. And let's not forget, people go canyoning or climbing in those areas - when you throw something, there could be someone below.'
A fourth said: 'He should be accompanied by a responsible adult - it's clear he's not ready to be out on his own.'
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The Guardian
2 hours ago
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The Independent
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