Investigation underway

Several injured after explosion at the Nürburgring

Nürburgring (symbolic image)(Bild: APA/dpa/Thomas Frey)

The extent of the explosion at the Nürburgring is now becoming increasingly clear. On Saturday morning, 22 people were reported injured, one of them seriously.

"Subject to further investigation, the cause of the accident is likely to be the explosion of a pressure bottle behind a pit in the paddock area," said the police. This occurred during test and set-up runs before a race. The criminal investigation department began an investigation.

The injured were taken to hospital by rescue helicopter, a spokesperson for the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring had already told the German newspaper "Bild" on Friday evening.

"Several people injured"
"According to initial findings, there are several injured persons who were transported to nearby hospitals by rescue helicopter after receiving immediate treatment at the Nürburgring Medical Center," the circuit operator wrote on X.

At the time of the accident, a test drive was underway in preparation for the NLS4, in which various classes are to compete in the six-hour Ruhr Cup race on Saturday. 

Race takes place
The six-hour ADAC Ruhr Cup race is to take place today as planned. This was announced by the organizers to the German Press Agency. The organizer has given teams and drivers the option of taking part in the race.

According to official information from the organizers, the incident occurred at pit 27 in the paddock, which was closed by the police, as was the surrounding area. In response to a dpa inquiry, the Koblenz police responsible for the incident stated that the investigation is still ongoing and will continue in daylight on Saturday.