NEPAL, July 3: A heated altercation erupted between two tourist couples at the 8848 Viewing Platform near Mount Everest on June 25, escalating from a minor disagreement to a full-blown physical confrontation.

The incident, captured on video, shows the couples, believed to be Chinese tourists, clashing over the best spot to view the Everest Elevation Monument in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, as reported by the Independent. According to sources, a tour guide initially asked the parties to pose together for a photo, but tensions quickly flared when the couples disagreed on optimal viewing positions.

The footage, reported by Newsflare, reveals the confrontation turning violent, with the men exchanging punches and rolling around on the platform. One of the women attempted to intervene and pull the men apart, while the other woman joined the fray, kicking one of the men.

Authorities from the Everest Border Police Camp soon intervened, separating the brawlers and taking all four individuals into custody for further investigation. Officials have assured the public that updates on the proceedings will be provided in due course.

This incident comes amid reports of increasing overcrowding at Mount Everest. In April, China reopened the Tibetan side of the mountain to climbers for the first time since the pandemic began. The issue of overcrowding was highlighted last month when two climbers went missing and were presumed dead after a ridge collapse on the mountain, which stands at 29,032 feet tall.