In a Volgograd shopping center, a serious incident unfolded when a young girl sustained critical injuries while riding a go-kart. The vehicle she was operating appeared to have a defect that compromised its safety, and this claim was later echoed by the Investigative Committee’s Telegram channel, which reported that the mini car was not up to standard. The report highlighted that the go-kart lacked a functioning brake pedal and was in a defective technical condition, raising questions about the device’s maintenance and safety checks at the center. Investigators confirmed that there were failures beyond the vehicle itself, noting that the staff did not provide clear safety instructions to the child before she began the ride. As a result, a criminal case was opened to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident and to determine responsibility for the injuries sustained by the young rider.
The sequence of events began when the 14-year-old student was navigating the go-kart within the mall’s entertainment area. At some point, the kart collided with a car traveling nearby, a crash that instantly put the girl in danger and led to her hospitalization with serious injuries. Local authorities conducted inspections of the attraction and reviewed maintenance logs, operator procedures, and the center’s safety protocols. The findings pointed to a troubling combination of a vehicle with a known defect and an operational environment that did not adequately supervise or inform visitors about potential risks. The center’s personnel faced scrutiny for failing to communicate essential safety rules to young riders, a lapse that authorities are treating as part of the broader inquiry into fault and accountability. The ongoing investigation seeks to determine whether negligence or a lapse in safety practices at the facility contributed to the accident, and it may lead to consequences for the operators if negligence is confirmed.
Separately, reports from the Moscow region previously described a different incident in which a young girl sustained a spinal injury at a karting facility there. That case, while separate in time and location, has been cited in discussions about track safety, operator training, and rider supervision. The juxtaposition of these events underscores a broader concern about safety standards in go-kart venues, particularly when operations involve minors. Experts in child safety and amusement ride regulation emphasize the necessity of robust vehicle maintenance, clearly posted and enforced safety guidelines, and diligent staff awareness to prevent such injuries. Investigators in both cases are expected to compare risk factors, review inspection routines, and evaluate whether existing regulations were followed or if gaps in oversight allowed risky situations to develop. In Volgograd, the central questions remain: was the go-kart fit for use, were safety protocols properly communicated and enforced, and what changes will be implemented to avert future harm to young visitors? The answers will shape forthcoming safety measures, potential penalties, and recommendations for ride operators across the region.