'Verstappen also mourned' racing event marred by shocking fatal accident: massive 7-car pile-up "This is how dangerous this sport can be..."

*This content was translated by AI.

A tragic fatal accident occurred at an event that drew significant attention with the participation of 'F1 (Formula One) Emperor' Max Verstappen (29).

British media outlet 'BBC' reported on the 19th (Korea time) that driver Juha Miettinen (66) died in a 7-car pile-up accident during the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race qualifying (NLS) held at the legendary German circuit, Nürburgring.

According to reports, the accident occurred during the qualifying race. As a massive pile-up involving seven vehicles unfolded, the race was immediately stopped with a red flag. As the severity of the accident became apparent, a decision was ultimately made to suspend the entire event just one hour after it began.

The event organizing committee officially stated in a press release: "We immediately stopped the race due to collisions involving multiple vehicles to begin structural and recovery operations," and further announced, "Emergency rescue teams arrived on site and extracted the driver from the vehicle, but he passed away after being transferred to the medical center."

According to local reports, in addition to Miettinen who died in this accident, six other drivers were transported to hospitals for examination, but fortunately, they are reported to be in stable condition without life-threatening injuries. A one-minute moment of silence in memory of Miettinen is scheduled to take place during the grid formation for the race the following day.

On the same day, 'The Daily Mail' provided more detailed accounts of the accident scene. The media reported that "Miettinen was involved in an accident at the Carousel section of the Nürburgring Nordschleife about 25 minutes into the qualifying race, which was scheduled for four hours," and added that "Miettinen was a veteran driver who had raced at the Nürburgring for 20 years. He was remembered among motorsports figures as a passionate racer who never lost his smile."

Furthermore, the media noted that "since 1928, 70 drivers have lost their lives in official competitions at the Nürburgring circuit," and highlighted that it is a dangerous course where "between three and 12 fatalities occur annually even on circuits open to the general public."

Meanwhile, Verstappen, who competed in this event as part of the Mercedes team alongside Lucas Auer, avoided involvement in the accident vehicle. Through his personal social networking service (SNS), Verstappen expressed, "I am deeply shocked by what happened today," and added, "While motorsports is a passion shared by all, this moment serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous this sport can be." He further stated, "I offer my sincere condolences to Juha's family and loved ones."

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*This content was translated by AI.