Sophia Floersch Fractures Spine After Horrific Crash at Macau Grand Prix

Sophia Floersch -- a German Formula 3 driver -- survived a terrifying crash during a race in China that easily could've killed her ... but left her with a fractured spine instead.

The 17-year-old was racing in the Macau Grand Prix Sunday when she reportedly collided with another driver, lost control on a sharp right turn, flew right through some crash barriers and landed in a photographer area. The accident is as bad as it sounds ... listen to the crowd scream in shock as her car gets airborne and smacks against a fence.

Incredibly, Sophia's racing team said she was conscious and stable, but had suffered a spinal fracture. They also listed her as "not fit to race," but did not say for how long. At least 3 others were also injured in the crash, including 2 photogs and the other driver.

Sophia later tweeted that she was "fine," and was going into surgery Monday morning. She added that she'd be providing updates soon.