Both Julian Draxler and Benedikt Höwedes were involved in a car crash in Northern Italy earlier on Tuesday. Racing driver Pascal Wehrlein and Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg were to involved, having driving both of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles involved. The German internationals founds themselves in the incident as they agreed to be a part of Mercedes' 'driving exercise', due to the sponsorship the German car company has with the national team. 

Wehrlein and Rosberg were believed to be doing laps of a short circuit in the mountains of South Tyrol in Northern Italy when the accident took place. It was Wehrlein's car that was predominantly involved in the accident, which lead to two people being taken to a local hospital. One of the victims was reported to have been airlifted into hospital with 'serious injuries', according to German outlet BILD. One of the injured victims was believed to be a circuit marshall according to reports, although there has yet to be confirmation of the victims. Draxler and Höwedes are believed to have escaped injury, despite the likelehood of the pair being shaken up from the event, as well as the disruption it would have caused to Germany's World Cup preparations. 

In an official statement from the German football federation, spokesman Jens Grittner was quoted;

''A driving exercise of our partner Mercedes-Benz ended in a serious accident. To our great regret, two people were injured. They were treated immediately and brought to hospital."

The event took place due to Mercedes being an official partner of the German national team. That also explains Nico Rosberg's involvement, as Rosberg isan official Formula 1 driver for the German car company. Mercedes released a statement following the event, too. Mercedes Motorsport spokeswoman Claudia Merzbach was quoted in her official statement on behalf of Mercedes;

'An accident occurred during a visit to the training camp of the German National Football Team: while driving on a closed circuit, DTM driver Pascal Wehrlein injured two people whom he unexpectedly encountered walking on the closed course. We cannot offer any statement concerning the severity of injuries, as both injured parties are currently undergoing medical treatment. Pascal Wehrlein was uninjured in the accident. We deeply regret this accident and send wishes of quick recovery to the injured. We will work in full cooperation with the authorities in determining the exact circumstances of the accident.'

The accident lead to Löw scrapping his initial plans for his preliminary squad playing a practice match against the under-20's side. Instead, a private training session was held which both Draxler and Höwedes took part in. 

VAVEL send their best wishes to those affected from the tragic accident. 

 

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About the author
Liam  Lee
Bundesliga writer