An 18 year old girl has tragically lost her life in a Go Karting accident, according to reports from Sky news (source) and the Mirror (source).
It is believed that Susan Cornwall’s scarf came loose and got wrapped up the engine of the kart as she raced on the Cambridgeshire Raceway circuit in Caxton. The pull of the scarf is sadly believed to have choked her, with paramedics noting severe neck injuries as they attended her unconscious at the scene.
Cambridgeshire Raceway company secretary Phil Meakins has reportedly informed the Daily Mail that a track marshal had allowed Susan and a group of teenagers to use the circuit after hours. The marshal, named as Andy Kilvin, manually turned off CCTV cameras after hours when he was expected to have locked the premises up, and allowed his girlfriend and five other teenagers to use the site. The marshal has been removed from his position, and the company is considering taking legal action against him. Police and the local council have launched a joint investigation.
Reportedly the circuit had an exemplary safety record, in which all racers must wear appropriate safety kit (helmets and race suits) and no one should ever be allowed on the racecourse wearing a loose item such as a scarf. Mr Meakins has further commented that “Andy knew the safety rules categorically. There are no excuses whatsoever.”
The victim Susan has been described as by her family as a “vibrant, fun-loving young woman with a promising future ahead of her”. The tragedy has of course devastated family, friends, and all those close to the victim.
Health and safety rules, regulations and legislation are so significantly important! My previous article regarding the fireworks story is an important example of the tragedy failures can lead to. This story is another example where a lack of appreciation for important health and safety regulations ahs ended in tragedy.
Although the main fault lies with the marshal, the company itself can still be held responsible under vicarious liability; whereby they have the overriding duty of care to ensure no person comes to harm on the premises. In this scenario, where an employee has caused the negligence, the company itself can still be held responsible.
If you have been injured due to a colleague at work, an employee of a company, or in any accident where you are not at fault, it is likely you are eligible to claim for the compensation you are legally entitled to. Speak to an expert independent personal injury solicitor today and find out where you stand.
