Racing driver Juha Miettinen has died after sustaining injuries in a horrific multi-car pile-up at the first qualifying race for the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
The crash occurred just 25 minutes into the four-hour race, at the Karussell portion of the Nordschleife circuit.
When it became apparent a huge accident had happened, the race was halted and the online broadcast was ended.
A statement from race control said: “During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (18 April 2026), a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race.
“Following the collision involving several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.
“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the paramedics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121); the driver died in 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 Nürburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen.
“A minute’s silence will be held in memory of the late motorsport competitor during the grid formation for Sunday’s race at 13:00.”
The FIA released a statement on social media offering its condolences, which read: “The FIA is sad to learn of the passing of Juha Miettinen following an incident in today’s first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends and everyone involved in the event.”
Miettinen was competing in the #121 BMW 325i. BMW M Motorsport replied to the Nurburgring’s social media confirmation of the death.
“Heartbreaking news from the Nürburgring. We are shocked and deeply saddened by the fatal accident of Juha Miettinen,” the response said.
“We lost a member of the BMW racing family under tragic circumstances. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Everyone at Motorsport Week sends their deepest sympathies to Juha Miettinen’s family and friends.
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