The guardian of a 16-year-old boy, Shalvin Lal, who tragically died in a car accident in Labasa earlier this week, is seeking clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Premila Devi from Napoidi Settlement never anticipated that the dinner shared with her nephew on Monday night would be their last meal together.
Emotionally overwhelmed, Mrs. Devi stood on her veranda, watching family members prepare for Shalvin’s funeral. She recounted the day he returned home from swimming, filled with laughter as he cleverly dodged her questions about where he had been. “My husband and I had been raising him since he was seven years old, after his father passed away, so I was like a mother to him,” she expressed, reflecting on their close relationship.
Shalvin, who had physical disabilities that affected his right hand and leg, took a nap after dinner and then mentioned his intention to go out later that night when his uncle returned from Savusavu. Tragically, at around 2 AM, Mrs. Devi received a call from her uncle informing her of Shalvin’s passing in a car accident at Naduna.
Mrs. Devi stated that Shalvin did not possess a driving license and had never been behind the wheel, considering his mobility challenges. Having dropped out of school after Year One due to difficulties in writing, the family finds it hard to believe that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. Upon receiving a call from the doctor the next day to identify the body, she noted only minor injuries on Shalvin, which intensified her disbelief.
“Considering we are all family members, it is painful to think of what we should do next or what lies ahead,” Mrs. Devi lamented. Shalvin was the youngest of three siblings.
The Traffic Director, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, reported that Shalvin allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and strike a culvert. Investigations are ongoing regarding the circumstances leading to the accident, particularly focusing on the fact that he was driving without a license.
This tragic incident brings to light the importance of road safety awareness and the need for proper licensing. It is hopeful that such unfortunate events will prompt discussions around safer driving practices and support systems for those with disabilities, fostering a more informed community committed to preventing future tragedies.
As a final note, the road death toll currently stands at 57 this year, a decrease compared to 74 incidents during the same period last year, suggesting that community efforts towards road safety may be starting to have a positive impact.
Leave a comment