BELIN (Xinhua): Racing driver Juha Miettinen died and six others were injured in a seven-car collision during the ADAC 24h Nurburgring qualifiers in Germany on Saturday when Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was also competing at the event.
According to a statement issued by the organisers, the 66-year-old Miettinen was extracted from the vehicle and taken to the medical centre, where he later died despite resuscitation attempts.
The serious incident occurred in the early stage of the race and involved seven drivers.
Verstappen, who was not driving at the time of the accident, expressed his condolences in a post on Instagram Stories. He wrote: "Shocked by what's happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha's family and loved ones."
The race organisers said in a statement: "Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver died at the medical centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.
"The other six drivers involved were taken to the Medical Centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations. None of the injured are in a life-threatening condition. The race will not resume on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen."
Organisers also confirmed that a minute's silence would be held in Miettinen's honor during the grid formation before the competition resumes at 1 pm local time on Sunday. -- Xinhua
