Girl, 15, strangled to death by her own hijab in go-karting accident

The go-kart Ruwaida was driving may have been faulty for some time without being checked in more than a month

A 15-year-old girl described by her mother as a ‘beacon of kindness’ tragically lost her life when her hijab became entangled and strangled her while riding a go-kart.

Ruwaida Adan was at Capital Karts in Barking, east London, as part of a youth group outing in August 2021. Unfortunately, while riding a faulty go-kart, her hijab got caught in an uncovered part of the vehicle. This caused her hijab to wind around the rotating rear axle gear and drive belt, leading to her strangulation in front of her friends.

Despite resuscitation efforts at the go-karting venue and subsequent hospitalization, Ruwaida succumbed to hypoxic brain injury and asphyxiation four days later.

Her mother, Amina Mohamed, fondly remembered Ruwaida as a beacon of kindness, humor, and unwavering support with a beautiful smile and a sweet soul. She emphasized Ruwaida's young age and the unrealized plans and dreams she had for the future.

Capital Karts has since relocated from Barking

Following an investigation that revealed serious health and safety lapses, Capital Karts Trading, operating under Capital Karts, was fined. The investigation found that the go-karts hadn't undergone necessary pre-race checks, including checking for missing guards. Additionally, the company failed to implement measures to identify and address potential hazards such as loose clothing like a hijab.

Ruwaida’s mother hopes no other family has to endure ‘the heartbreak we have experienced’

Capital Karts was ordered to pay a fine, costs, and a victim surcharge after sentencing at Romford Magistrates’ Court. Amina expressed relief that Capital Karts was held accountable and thanked the council for pursuing the prosecution.

Gary Jones of Barking and Dagenham Council expressed condolences to Ruwaida's family and underscored the importance of implementing proper safety measures in similar businesses to prevent such tragedies.

Amina hopes Ruwaida's memory will inspire positive changes in safety regulations within the go-karting industry. Capital Karts Barking closed following the incident, and the business now operates under Capital Karts London Limited at Canary Wharf.