THIS is the terrifying moment a car was found dangling over a cliff edge, sparking a nerve-shredding rescue mission.

The white SUV was spotted teetering over the cliff by passersby, with its occupants moments away from a near-perilous fall.

The vehicle had reportedly swerved off the road after skidding on snow on the Xinjiang Duku Highway in western China.

It was left dangling precariously with its rear left wheel elevated off the ground.

A group of Good Samaritans found it in the precarious spot and pulled over to help.

The SUV’s driver was found apparently unable to reverse the car onto the icy roadside or get out of the vehicle safely.

A woman, named only as Ms Deng by local media, filmed the rescue effort as she and her friends stopped to help.

They had been on a trip to a lake as they drove up the mountain – and pulled over when they spotted the dangling car.

The video begins with a look at just how fraught the situation is as the passersby approach the trapped vehicle.

They begin to try and heave the car back to safety as more and more motorists park nearby to lend a hand.

In a heart-stopping moment, one of the rescue party removes a suitcase from the back of the car – risking shifting more weight onto the car’s front tyres.

A rumble of thunder can be heard as the rescue mission becomes increasingly tense.

But at least six men lend their strength to helping keep the car on the ledge, gradually pulling it back to safety.

Eventually, they manage to heave the SUV further back from the brink.

The rescuers then tie a rope onto the back of the car to properly drag it back to firm ground.

According to reports, the two unnamed people inside the vehicle were unharmed in the bone-chilling ordeal.

Authorities have warned motorists to be aware of weather conditions and to maintain a safe distance when driving, News X has reported.

They also urge road users to park properly on the viewing platforms.

The Duku Highway sits on what was historically known as the Silk Road.

It is as well known for its stunning views and landscapes as it is for its dangerous driving conditions.

Back in 2021, another car rolled off a cliff edge on the same highway.

While several family members were able to leap out of the car in time, but one woman inside was unable to escape in time.

She survived the fall, but suffered severe hip injuries.