At least 22 people were injured in an explosion at the Nürburgring racetrack in Nuremberg, Germany, on Friday evening, just before the start of the 6-hour Ruhr Cup race.
The explosion occurred in the paddock area of the racetrack, with initial reports suggesting it was caused by a compressed gas cylinder.
A spokesperson for the VLN Endurance Championship, which organizes events at Nürburgring, confirmed that some of the injured were airlifted to nearby hospitals by rescue helicopters.
Police reported that one person suffered critical injuries, while three others sustained serious injuries.
The explosion happened around 6 PM local time (1600 GMT), behind a maintenance lane. Despite the incident, organizers announced that the race would proceed as scheduled on Saturday.
The Nürburgring is one of the most famous racetracks in the world, known for its challenging layout and rich history in motorsports.
Located in the Eifel mountains of Germany, it has hosted various prestigious racing events since its opening in 1927, including Formula 1, endurance races, and touring car championships.
While the Nürburgring is celebrated for its thrilling races, it has also been the site of several accidents and safety incidents over the years.
The track’s combination of high speeds, tight corners, and elevation changes make it both exhilarating and dangerous for drivers and spectators alike.
The management of Nürburgring has continuously worked to improve safety measures, including upgrading barriers, installing better signage, and enhancing emergency response protocols.
The explosion and resulting injuries have raised concerns about safety at the racetrack. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The outcome of this investigation could lead to additional safety measures being implemented at Nürburgring and other racetracks worldwide.
