The 1957 Mille Miglia, a popular and prestigious car race in Italy, ended in horror when a Ferrari driven by Spanish race car driver Alfonso de Portago blew a tire and crashed into the crowd, killing himself, his co-driver, and eleven spectators, including five children. This catastrophic event led to the permanent cancellation of the Mille Miglia due to growing safety concerns regarding high-speed races on public roads. The disaster had a lasting impact on motor sports, prompting increased safety measures and changes in public perception towards racing.
