A guardian of a 16-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Labasa earlier this week is actively seeking clarity regarding the circumstances of the incident. Premila Devi, who resides at Napoidi Settlement in Labasa, never anticipated that the dinner she shared with her nephew, Shalvin Lal, on Monday night would be their last meal together.
Stricken with grief, Mrs. Devi, a mother herself, watched relatives set up a shed for Shalvin’s funeral while reflecting on their last conversations. She recalled how Shalvin, who had a physical disability affecting the use of his right hand and leg, returned home after swimming that afternoon, joking to hide his whereabouts.
Mrs. Devi and her husband have raised Shalvin since he was seven, following the death of his father, who was her husband’s brother. That night, after having dinner, Shalvin mentioned that he would go out later when his uncle returned from Savusavu. Tragically, Mrs. Devi received a call at 2 a.m. informing her of Shalvin’s accident in Naduna.
She expressed disbelief that Shalvin, who had never driven a car and was unable to walk properly, could have been driving. After receiving a call from the doctor to identify Shalvin’s body, she noted only minor injuries, causing further confusion about the circumstances of his death. The family is currently grappling with the painful reality of the situation and is uncertain about their next steps.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, Shalvin allegedly lost control of the vehicle he was driving, causing it to crash into a culvert. The investigation will also look into the fact that Shalvin did not possess a driver’s license.
In relation to road safety, it is worth noting that the current road death toll stands at 57, a decrease from the 74 fatalities recorded during the same period last year. This statistic highlights ongoing efforts in advocating for safer driving practices.
While this tragic incident has left a family in mourning, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the responsible use of vehicles, particularly for young individuals. By fostering safer driving habits and regulations, communities can work toward preventing such heartbreak in the future.
In these challenging times, families affected by similar tragedies can take solace in the support of their communities and the shared commitment to improved safety on the roads.
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