A Labasa teenager is the latest road fatality after he was killed in an accident on Monday.
Shalvin Lal, 16, of Napoidi, died when he lost control of the vehicle he was driving without a licence.
Director Traffic Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana said Lal was driving along Korotari Rd in Labasa after 1am on Monday when he is believed to have lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and into a culvert.
He said Lal was rushed to hospital where he was admitted until he died.
The road death toll currently stands at 57 compared with 74 this time last year.
Lal’s guardian Premila Devi described him as a kind soul who always helped others.
“Shalvin was the youngest of three children. His mother left him with us when he was seven after the passing of his father,” Ms Devi said.
She said the memory of their last day together was something she would hold dear.
“We are devastated with the loss of Shalvin.
“We were shocked when we were advised by the authorities that he was behind the wheel of the vehicle which claimed his life.”
