Driver Juha Miettinen died in tragic accident at the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring
A collision involved seven vehicles and forced the race to be stopped immediately with a red flag
A multi-car crash during a qualifying session at the Nurburgring circuit claimed the life of 66-year-old German driver Juha Miettinen, leading to the complete cancellation of the day's activities.
The incident occurred in the opening gaps of a Langstrecken Series race (NLS), within the framework of qualifying for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. The collision involved seven vehicles and forced the race to be stopped immediately with a red flag to facilitate rescue operations, ESPN reported. The confirmed that, after the impact, Miettinen was extracted from his vehicle—a BMW 325i identified with the number 121—and taken to the circuit's medical center. Despite the rapid intervention of the emergency teams, they were unable to revive him.
“During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nurburgring qualifying, a serious accident occurred involving seven competitors in the opening laps of the race. Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately stopped the competition to allow for rescue and recovery operations,” the organizers stated in an official press release.
The same report detailed the outcome: “Despite the rapid arrival of the emergency services, paramedics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, No. 121), after he was extricated from the vehicle. The driver died at the medical center after all attempts at resuscitation failed.”
Suspension of the event and support for the other involved
Following the accident, the authorities decided not to resume the competition scheduled for Saturday. The race was canceled while those involved were attended and the track conditions were assessed. In the same accident, six other drivers were affected and taken to medical centers for precautionary checkups. According to official information, none of them sustained serious injuries.
“The other six drivers involved were taken to the medical center and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations. None of the injured are in critical condition,” the organizers added.
The event had generated additional attention this year due to the participation of Max Verstappen, which increased media coverage surrounding the race.
As part of the events following the incident, it was announced that a minute's silence will be observed in memory of Miettinen before Sunday's race. “Everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring extends their deepest condolences to the family of Juha Miettinen,” they stated in the press release.