Little Girl's Hair Gets Caught In Go-Kart, Mom Wants To Warn Others Of Danger

Sep 18, 2019

Riding a go-kart has thrilled children and teens for decades. Children love the wind whipping around their face and the feeling of being in control of a motorized vehicle. Likewise, parents love to see the pure joy spread across their child’s face. This was the experience for 5-year-old Lani Use and her family for a few short minutes. Unfortunately, tragedy struck, and the family is now issuing a warning to all parents who allow their children to ride go-karts.

Little Lani was cruising around her family’s yard in Louisiana on a beautiful afternoon. Her parents and grandparents were hosting a casual party and were speaking with friends and neighbors as Lani traveled at a very low speed. In fact, she was going so slowly that adults could easily keep pace by walking next to her. Immediately before her devastating accident, a picture was taken that showed her delight.

Lani’s mom had recognized the danger of go-karting with long hair, and she had wrapped her beautiful locks into a tight bun before Lani took her place behind the wheel. Unfortunately, a few hair strands became loose in the breeze and as the go-kart traveled across rough terrain. In a matter of seconds, Lani’s hair was caught in the gas-powered motor and was being ripped from her head, reports FOX.

Lani’s family heard her agonizing screams as the little girl's head was pulled toward the motor. They rushed into action, but the damage to Lani’s head occurred too quickly. The engine was shut off, and the family immediately saw that Lani’s scalp had been ripped off of her head. Her grandfather cut the remaining hair that was stuck in the motor, and Lani was immediately whisked off to the hospital. Her grandmother had to hold her scalp to her head on the way, and Lani struggled to remain conscious.

In addition to having physical trauma from her scalp being pulled off of her head, Lani had skull fractures in four different areas. Doctors performed surgery for five hours, and she remained in the hospital for a lengthy period of time to recover reports Inside Edition.

Her family is now raising awareness about this danger so that other children can be protected from such trauma. What do you think about Lani’s story? Leave your comments below, and spread the word to your friends and family about this preventable possibility.