A 15-year-old girl was killed in a freak accident when her hijab became entangled in a go-kart, an inquest has heard.

Ruwaida Adan was strangled by the headscarf as she started a race with other teenagers from a summer school.

She was taken to hospital in August 2021 but died four days later.

Ruwaida was visiting Capital Karts in east London which has a policy that all loose clothing should be removed before getting into the cars, Walthamstow Coroner’s Court heard.

Her family told jurors she had only recently started wearing a hijab but didn’t wear it all the time.

The jury heard she should have been told to remove the headscarf and checks should have taken place at various stages during the induction.

This did not happen and Ruwaida put on a balaclava and helmet over the top of her hijab and the end of the scarf was said to be hanging out of the helmet and suit.

Jurors were told by youth worker Zoe Cumberbatch, who was accompanying the teenagers, that staff at Capital Karts did not tell anyone to remove loose clothing or tuck in their hair.

She said track marshals did not tell her to tuck in her own hair, which she had styled in long braids, until she was getting into the cart at the start line.

Ms Cumberbatch became aware Ruwaida was in trouble after seeing another student bring their car to a stop and point at Ruwaida, who had also come to a stop.

The cart was inspected following her death and two parts designed to prevent loose items becoming entangled in the bottom of the cart were damaged.

The jury ruled Ruwaida died of a hypoxic brain injury and asphyxiation.

They concluded: ‘No safety check ensured that Ruwaida removed her headscarf before getting into her go car.

‘No daily mechanics check was carried out on August 6, 2021.

‘In Ruwaida’s cart the plastic drive belt guard to the rear axle was absent and the rear seat shield was damaged.

‘Both should cover exposed moving parts. Ruwaida’s scarf became entangled in the moving parts resulting in her asphyxiation and her death on August 10, 2021.’

Assistant coroner Leanne Woods issued a prevention of future deaths report addressed to the managing director of Capital Karts raising a number of safety concerns.

Capital Karts has now closed due to unrelated reasons but still operates in Canary Wharf.

The company has changed its policy and requires a member of staff to witness a headscarf being removed at reception.

After the inquest, Ruwaida’s family said she was ‘sweet and compassionate’ and losing her had been one of the ‘hardest things’.

Capital Karts has been approached for further comment by Metro.co.uk.

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