A spectator at the VLN 1 endurance race held at the Nuerburgring race track was killed when a car went off the track into the crowd. The car was being driven by British driver Jann Mardenborough when the accident occurred.
The Washington Post reports that the Nissan car driven by Mardenborough went off the track during the race Saturday. The car went over the security perimeter along the track and landed upside down in the crowd. One member of the crowd was killed in the accident while two others received injuries. The extent of the spectators’ injuries are unknown at this time, but organizers of the race say that the driver was able to exit the vehicle after the crash.
The remainder of the race was cancelled following the tragic accident and officials say that Nissan is working closely with the organizers of the VLN 1 endurance race to determine the cause of the crash. ABC notes that driver, Mardenborough, exited the vehicle after the crash and was seen by the circuit medical center. After being checked out by staff on the scene, Mardenborough was sent to the local hospital for a routine health check.
The VLN released a statement noting that they are “deeply saddened” by the crash that took place this morning. The release states that one spectator died despite receiving immediate medical attention from the circuit medical center. It was noted that other spectators were taken with injuries to the local hospital.
“The VLN and the organizer of the race are deeply saddened and her thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.”
The VLN press statement notes that the organization is uncertain at this time what caused the vehicle to veer off the track.
The Nuerburgring race track is world-renowned and has a capacity of 150,000. The unique race track is located outside of Cologne, Germany, and has both a standard Grand Prix race track as well as a scenic “North Loop” that winds around a village and old castle. The Nuerburgring is the place of choice for vehicle speed and endurance testing and is used by many of the most popular auto manufacturers.
The Inquisitr previously reported on a similar accident that left 13 spectators dead and 80 injured during a Mexican monster truck accident.
[Image Credit: Getty Images/ Lars Baron]