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Team Building Turns Terrifying for Verulam Dad After Go-Kart Accident
A day meant for fun goes terribly wrong
Team building is usually the kind of event where colleagues bond over laughs, not life-changing injuries. For 27-year-old father of two, Yastil Rugunanan, a simple work outing in Durban turned into the kind of moment that splits life into a before and after.
He and his colleagues from a local call centre kicked off their festive season break with go-karting at Wicked Karting in Cornubia Mall. The plan was to race, head out for lunch, enjoy some drinks, and exchange gifts. A relaxed, feel-good Friday with the bosses.
Instead, the final race of the day changed everything.
A split second and a devastating fall
Yastil collided with a colleague’s kart. Ordinarily, these minor bumps are no big deal. Drivers usually hit the brake or accelerate and carry on. However, this time, he was thrown from the kart completely. He remembers the terrifying moment of being lifted into the air and coming down hard on his back.
He later said he had assumed karts would include a seatbelt. It was a chilling discovery to realise they do not.
Left lying on the track, unable to move, all he could do was wait in pain and fear. He said it felt like his entire world was collapsing while he hoped paramedics would reach him quickly.
Spinal damage and uncertain answers
Yastil was rushed to Mount Edgecombe Hospital. Scans revealed damage to his L3 and L4 spinal discs. Doctors are still deciding whether surgery will be necessary. Five days into his hospital stay, he began trying to stand with the help of a brace, which his father had to pay R5 500 for. He hopes medical aid will cover it.
He has two young children and a wife at home who depend on him. The uncertainty is exhausting. The emotional toll is heavy.
He said he is grateful his colleague was not hurt, but he never wants to see a go-kart again.
A family left shaken but hopeful
His wife, Danielle, received the message of the crash and at first thought he was joking. Her husband is known for pranks. That disbelief quickly turned into deep fear when she heard the pain in his voice during a call from the scene.
Their children just wanted to know where their father was. Danielle is relieved to see some progress in his recovery, but she never wants her kids near a go-kart track either. She still recalls a previous incident where a young girl suffered a major scalp injury.
The karting venue responds
Wicked Karting said safety is always their highest priority. Rules are explained upfront, including warnings against bumping and reckless driving. Staff monitor racing closely and disqualify drivers who break the rules. They added that accidents can still happen in a sport that carries risk and wished Yastil a full recovery.
Paramedics also reminded the public to treat karting like a real motorsport. Proper gear, listening to instructions, alertness, and reporting any issues are all essential for a safe ride.
A moment that sparks a bigger conversation
South Africans love adventure. From quad biking on sand dunes to karting around tight corners, thrill seeking is part of the culture. Yet stories like Yastil’s show what happens when fun becomes frightening in the blink of an eye.
His family remains focused on his healing. Their message is simple: a bit of weekend fun should never end like this.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Tripadvisor
