A guardian of a 16-year-old boy tragically killed in a car accident in Labasa earlier this week is seeking clarity about the circumstances surrounding his death. Premila Devi, who raised Shalvin Lal since he was seven after his father’s passing, is grappling with the painful reality that their last dinner together was just hours before his untimely demise.
According to Mrs. Devi, Shalvin returned home on Monday afternoon after a swim, sharing jokes to keep her from inquiring about his whereabouts. Later that evening, after a meal and a nap, Shalvin mentioned he would be heading out once his uncle returned from Savusavu. This would be the last conversation they had, as she received a call at 2 am informing her of his fatal accident at Naduna.
Shalvin, who faced physical challenges and had never held a driver’s license, left school after Year One due to his disabilities. Mrs. Devi expressed her disbelief that he could have been behind the wheel during the incident. When she was called by the doctor to identify his body, she observed only minor injuries, leading her to question the circumstances of the crash.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, Shalvin allegedly lost control of the car, causing it to veer off the roadway and strike a culvert. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on the fact that he was driving unlawfully without a license.
While the road death toll has seen a decrease this year, standing at 57 compared to 74 during the same period last year, the incident has left a profound mark on the family, emphasizing the need for safer roads and stricter adherence to driving laws.
This tragic accident highlights the importance of community support during such difficult times. It also serves as a reminder of the necessity for safe driving practices and the impact of road safety awareness efforts.
In light of this unfortunate event, we hope that Shalvin’s family finds the answers they seek and that other young drivers are inspired to respect the rules of the road, ultimately preventing similar tragedies in the future.
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