An indoor go-karting race track in KwaZulu-Natal has been closed after a 15-year-old girl suffered serious injuries.
It is understood that Kristen Govender was out with her family at Action Karting at the Gateway Theater of Shopping in Umhlanga when the accident happened.
An accident
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said according to reports, the teenager suffered spinal injuries, a torn aorta and a torn scalp from the go-karting incident.
Dube-Ncube said he was deeply concerned about the condition of the young girl who was fighting for her life in a Durban hospital.
Investigation
Dube-Ncube has ordered a full investigation into the incident to ensure that children are not exposed to such risks in the future.
“We are on the eve of the start of the school year 2023 and we are saddened that this girl will not be able to start the school year in the first semester. We have closed the go-Kart establishment at the Gateway Theater of Shopping indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation into the incident.
“We were also shocked when we learned that when our team checked the area, they did not get the cooperation of the management of the amusement park. We ask the police to leave no stone unturned to approach this horrible incident,” said Dube-Ncube.
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Compliance
Dube-Ncube has called on entertainment businesses in KZN to ensure they comply with the law.
“As the provincial government, we call on all businesses that have these entertainment facilities to ensure compliance and all safety protocols are followed. Patrons must also be given full induction before participating.
“Sharing should not be done at the expense of customers’ lives. We will visit similar establishments in shopping centers across the province to ensure compliance,” Dube-Ncube.
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