Man escapes death, vehicle plunged into nearby river
A24-year-old driver is counting his lucky stars after he escaped death for the second time in his life.
Shalvin Chand was driving towards Veisari when his vehicle veered off the road near Wailekutu Settlement in Lami and plunged into a nearby river, yesterday morning.
Mr Chand had just dropped his brother-in-law in town and was returning home to prepare for work when the accident occurred. He was with a passenger.
He claimed that a mechanical fault caused the accident however was thankful that he did not cause any fatality.
“I tried my best not to damage anything like the electricity pole beside the bridge,” he said.
“All my clothes and personal belongings got wet,” he said. Mr Chand had a knee operation about four years ago also from an accident.
Additionally, a Wailekutu resident was on the bridge and saw the vehicle head straight down into the river.
Eroni Tuivunilagi claimed the accident occurred at 5:10 am.
“I saw that something was wrong with the car and by the time I tried to call them out, they had veered off the road.
“I told them to get out and I called the Police.
“I’ve witnessed a number of accidents because I’m a driver by profession but this is the first time for me to have seen a car submerged.”
Mr Tuivunilagi is calling on drivers to drive safely when on the road.
“Please be careful.
“If you are tired and want to sleep, park your vehicle and take a nap.
“You only have one life, please be careful. A car can be replaced but not your life.”
Police Spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed receiving the report.
Investigations continue.