A guardian of a 16-year-old boy, Shalvin Lal, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Labasa earlier this week, is searching for clarity regarding the circumstances of his death. Premila Devi of Napoidi Settlement expressed her disbelief that Monday night’s dinner would be their final meal together.
Shalvin, who had a physical disability affecting his right limbs, shared lighthearted moments with Mrs. Devi before he announced he would go out later that night when his uncle returned from Savusavu. Unfortunately, just hours later, a call at 2 a.m. brought the devastating news: Shalvin had died in a car accident in Naduna.
Mrs. Devi noted that Shalvin did not have a driver’s license and had never driven a car due to his mobility challenges, bringing into question how he came to be behind the wheel. According to her, when she identified Shalvin’s body, he had minor injuries, prompting her to question the details surrounding the incident.
Shalvin was the youngest of three siblings and had dropped out of school after Year One because he was unable to write. The situation is compounded by the emotional toll it has taken on the family, with Mrs. Devi reflecting on their painful reality together.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, noting that Shalvin allegedly lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently crashed. It is important to recognize that he was driving without a license, and this aspect will be examined further as the investigation unfolds.
In a broader context, the road death toll stands at 57 this year, which is a decrease compared to 74 at the same time last year, suggesting a potential trend towards improved road safety measures.
This tragic event highlights the need for greater safety awareness and preventive measures to protect young individuals, particularly those facing physical challenges. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.
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