Explosion at Germany's Nürburgring injures 22

At least 22 people have been injured in an explosion in the paddock area at the Nürburgring motor-racing track in Germany - on the evening before the six-hour Ruhr Cup race, reported dpa.

Some of the injured were taken to hospital by rescue helicopter, a spokesman for the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring said.

One person suffered severe injuries and three others were seriously injured, police said.

According to initial findings, the explosion occurred shortly after 6 pm (1600 GMT) on Friday behind a pit lane, and is believed to have been caused by a pressurized gas cylinder.

At the time of the accident, a test and set-up run was in progress. This was immediately interrupted and the scene of the accident was secured, it was reported.

The police are now investigating how the explosion occurred. The test drive served as preparation for the NLS4, an endurance car racing series. Various classes are due to compete in the six-hour Ruhr Cup race on Saturday.

Racing will go ahead as planned on Saturday, organizers said.