A father is grappling with the devastating loss of his only son, Ravneel Lal, aged 22, who tragically lost his life in a car accident on Valley Road in Sigatoka this past Sunday. Ravneel was one of four individuals in a vehicle that veered off the road and rolled multiple times near Navula.
His father, Rohit Lal, recounted the events leading to the accident, emphasizing that his son was merely a passenger. He shared that earlier that weekend, Ravneel purchased a new car and attended a car show at Malaqere. After returning home that night and parking his vehicle, he later joined two friends from Suva for a soccer tournament in the upper valley. It was during their return journey that the fatal accident occurred.
Rohit described his son as humble and hardworking, highlighting the profound impact of this loss on their family. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in Lal being ejected from it. He suffered serious injuries, while the other passengers and the driver were taken to Sigatoka Hospital, where they remain under care.
As investigations into the accident are ongoing, SSP Divuana has urged drivers to alter their mindset to prevent such tragedies from occurring. He stressed the importance of attitude in road safety, warning that disregarding safety advisories could lead to severe repercussions.
In a broader perspective, the current national road death toll stands at 55, a slight decrease from 74 during the same time frame last year. This highlights the urgent need for continued emphasis on road safety to help reduce such incidents in the future.
While the loss of a loved one is heartbreaking, the hope lies in communities coming together to promote safer driving practices and to honor those lost by ensuring that their stories lead to positive changes in road safety awareness.
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