A 15-year-old Muslim girl was killed in a horrific accident and suffocated to death after her headscarf got caught in a go-kart, an inquest heard.
Ruwaida Adan was strangled by her hijab minutes after racing with her friends in a go-kart in East London.
Ruweida should have been told to take off her headscarf, jurors were told, but checks at Capital Karts in Barking, east London, missed him.
The student did not wear a hijab at all times, her parents said, and the racetrack had a policy of removing all loose clothing.
The end of her scarf was said to be hanging from her helmet and suit, and two pieces in her pram designed to prevent loose objects from becoming entangled were also damaged, a probe found.
Ruweida Adan, 15, was strangled by her hijab minutes after racing her friends in a go-kart in East London
Emergency services were called to the scene – which happened on August 6, 2021 – to take the teenager to hospital, but Ruweida died four days later.
She suffered hypoxic brain injury and suffocation.
A jury at Coroners’ Court Walthamstow said: “There was no safety check to ensure Ruwaida removed her headscarf before getting into her car.
“A daily mechanical inspection was not performed on August 6, 2021. In Ruwaida’s stroller, the plastic guard on the drive belt to the rear axle was missing and the rear seat shield was damaged.
“Both should cover the exposed moving parts. Ruwaida’s scarf became entangled in the moving parts, resulting in her suffocation and death on August 10, 2021.
Ruwaida should have been told to take off her headscarf, jurors were told, but checks at Capital Karts in Barking, east London, missed it
Following the inquest, Ruwaida’s family said: ‘Ruwaida was kind and compassionate to everyone she met.
“She was so kind, thoughtful, caring, loving, strong and wise beyond her years.
“She always stood up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. He was always laughing and smiling – he had the most infectious laugh.
“Losing Ruweida was the hardest thing we’ve ever been through, and losing her so unexpectedly makes it even worse.
“Not only is a large part of our family gone, but her death has caused us so much pain that we are all changed forever.
“We miss Ruwaida every second of every day.”