One driver dead, six injured in Nurburgring race crash

A racing car driver has died in an accident in Germany at an event involving Formula One star Max Verstappen.

Juha Miettinen was killed and six others were injured, after an incident involving seven cars, during a qualifying race before the ADAC 24h Nurburgring .

All the other drivers were taken to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Red Bull F1 driver Verstappen, sharing a Mercedes AMG GT3 sportscar with Austrian Lucas Auer, was not on track at the time.

‘‘During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nurburgring Qualifiers, a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race,’‘ officials said.

‘‘Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121), after he had been extracted from the vehicle. The driver died at the medical centre, after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.’‘

Organisers said a minute’s silence would be held during the grid formation on Sunday.

Verstappen said on Instagram that he was shocked by what had happened.

‘‘Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this, it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be,’‘ he posted.

‘‘Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.’‘

Source- Reuters
--Agencies