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A MUM-OF-TWO is fighting for her life after being ‘scalped’ in a horrific go-karting accident.

It is believed the 48-year-old’s long hair got snagged in the engine, snapping her head back causing horrific wounds to her scalp.

She also faces the possibility of being paralysed after she suffered ‘traumatic’ head and neck injuries.

The woman was on a family night out with her two children when the accident happened.

Yesterday she was treated at a specialist hospital for head injuries.

The incident happened at The Garage leisure complex in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, and the woman, from Cumnock, was first taken to Crosshouse Hospital, near Kilmarnock.

She was later transferred to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “She suffered traumatic injuries during a go-karting session. An external force caused the injuries, which included a serious head and neck trauma.”

Police were also called and East Ayrshire Council is carrying out an investigation.

The Garage, which also has a nightclub and a bowling alley, describes its indoor karting track experience as “the ultimate thrill”.

It has declined to comment on the incident.

Go-karts intended for the general public are often limited to speeds of around 16mph.

Most karts have a petrol engine mounted behind the driver which powers the vehicle’s rear wheels.

It is not clear if the woman was wearing a helmet when the accident occurred. Website pictures show people racing karts at The Garage wearing full-face helmets.

It is not clear how old the woman’s children are but it is believed they had been karting and it was a last-minute decision for their mother to join in.

East Ayrshire Council confirmed that a health and safety investigation had been launched.

A spokesman said: “Senior officers from environmental health have conducted a thorough investigation of the site.

“The officers will now present a report to the procurator fiscal.”

Carol Blanchard, secretary of the Association of Scottish Karting Clubs, said: “This type of accident is very unusual in Scotland. Our clubs all have to comply with the national health and safetystandards set by the Motorsports Association.

“Privately run tracks like these do not have the same nationally-enforced rules.

“There are only four certified tracks in Scotland which are overseen by the national guidelines.”