A guardian of a 16-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Labasa is desperately seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. Premila Devi, who lived in the Napoidi Settlement, never imagined that the dinner she shared with her nephew, Shalvin Lal, on Monday night would be their last.
With immense grief, Mrs. Devi has been watching relatives prepare for the funeral, reflecting on the day when Shalvin, who had a physical disability affecting his right side, returned home from swimming, light-heartedly joking to avoid her inquiries about his day. Having raised Shalvin since he was seven, following the death of his father—her brother—she describes their bond as that of a mother and son.
After their meal, Shalvin mentioned that he would go out later when his uncle returned from Savusavu. This would be the last conversation they shared. Early Tuesday morning, she received a devastating call from her brother informing her of Shalvin’s death in a car accident in Naduna.
Mrs. Devi expressed her disbelief, stating that Shalvin did not possess a driver’s license and had never driven a vehicle, given his mobility challenges. He had dropped out of school in his first year due to his inability to write. When she identified his body, the injuries he sustained were relatively minor, deepening her family’s confusion over how the incident occurred.
Shalvin was the youngest of three siblings. Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and revealed that Shalvin allegedly lost control of the vehicle, leading it off the road into a culvert. The tragic event is compounded by the broader context of road safety; this year’s road death toll stands at 57, a decrease from 74 during the same period last year.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the fragile nature of life and the importance of road safety regulations. While the family mourns their loss, it serves as a reminder for the community about the critical need for responsible driving education and adherence to traffic laws.
In this time of grief, the community’s support may help Mrs. Devi and her family find solace, cherishing the memories of a young boy who brought joy to those around him.
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