A guardian of a 16-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in an accident in Labasa is searching for clarity regarding the events that led to his death. Premila Devi, a resident of Napoidi Settlement in Labasa, did not expect that Monday night’s dinner would be her last meal shared with her nephew, Shalvin Lal.
Visibly grief-stricken, Devi stood on her veranda as relatives prepared for Shalvin’s funeral. “He returned home after swimming that afternoon, joking around to keep me from asking him too many questions,” she reflected. Devi and her husband had raised Shalvin since he was seven years old, following the death of his father, making her feel like a mother to him.
Shalvin, who had physical disabilities that affected his right hand and leg, had dropped out of school after Year One due to difficulties with writing. After their final conversation, where he mentioned he would go out when his uncle returned, Devi received a devastating call at 2 a.m. informing her of the accident that claimed Shalvin’s life at Naduna.
Devi expressed disbelief that Shalvin was driving a car, stating he did not possess a driver’s license and had never driven due to his mobility limitations. She was taken aback when she saw his body, which bore only minor injuries, contradicting the notion that he was behind the wheel at the time of the accident.
“The thought that he might have driven the vehicle and faced such a tragic end is just too painful for us,” she shared, highlighting the family’s emotional turmoil.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, investigations reveal that Shalvin allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and hit a culvert. The fact that he was driving unlawfully without a license will also be a significant part of the inquiry.
In a broader context, it is noteworthy that the current road death toll stands at 57, showing a reduction from 74 fatalities during the same period last year, indicating progress in road safety efforts.
This unfortunate incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating impact that accidents can have on families and communities. The family’s quest for answers reflects a universal hope for understanding and closure in the wake of tragedy.
Leave a comment