Teenage girl died of asphyxiation after her hijab caught in rear axel of go-kart

A 15-year old girl was strangled after her headscarf became entangled in the moving parts of a go-kart in a freak accident.

Ruwaida Adan from Newham was taken to hospital but died four days after the incident on August 4, 2021. The cause of death was hypoxic brain injury and asphyxiation.

Ms Adan was taking part in a summer programme for young people arranged by Newham Council. The teenager put on a balaclava and helmet over the top of her hijab, with the end of the scarf was trailing out of the helmet, Walthamstow Coroner’s court heard. Parts of the go-kart were also damaged in the incident at Capital Kart in Barking.

“The headscarf was pulled tight around her neck leading to asphyxiation and ultimately her sad death,” the coroner’s report stated.

The jury at the coroner’s concluded: “No safety check ensured that Ruwaida removed her headscarf before getting into her go car."

It was found that in the cart Ms Adan was driving, the plastic drive belt guard to the rear axle was missing and the rear seat shield was damaged.

“Both should cover exposed moving parts,” the jury stated.” Ruwaida’s scarf became entangled in the moving parts resulting in her asphyxiation and her death."

Ms Adan’s family said in a statement: "Ruwaida was sweet and compassionate to everyone she met. She was so kind, thoughtful, caring, loving, strong and wise beyond her years. She was always speaking up for those who couldn’t speak up for themselves. She was always laughing and smiling – she had the most contagious laugh.

“Losing Ruwaida has been the hardest thing we have ever been through and losing her so unexpectedly makes it even worse.

"Not only has a big part of our family gone, but her death has caused us all so much pain that we are all changed forever. We miss Ruwaida every second of every day.”

A fundraising effort as organised by Ms Adan’s sister Yasmin, which has raised around £30,000 to go towards building a mosque and a well in honour of Ms Adan.

A member of staff at Capital Karts is now instructed to make sure headscarves are removed at the go cart reception area.

Assistant Coroner Leanne Woods said: ““In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. I have a concern about the nature of Capital Karts’ understanding of, and commitment to, addressing the concerns identified in the inquest about the adequacy of checks on clothing performed by marshalls.”

"Everyone at Capital Karts was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Miss Adan, and our sympathies are with her family and friends,’ a spokesperson for Capital Karts told LBC.

"We co-operated fully with the authorities in their investigation and reviewed all of our safety procedures following the accident.”