Friends die in crash after celebrating birthday
A FEW hours after celebrating his 26th birthday, Viraag Hansrajh and his friend, Yatish Devlal, died in a car accident.
After celebrating his birthday with family and friends at his Mount Edgecombe Country Estate home, Hansrajh was en route to drop-off Devlal, 26, at his home in Caneside, Phoenix, last Thursday morning.
The friends were travelling on JG Champion Drive in Phoenix when Devlal, who was believed to have been driving, lost control of Hansrajh’s 2 series BMW.
Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP Medical, said the vehicle had veered off the road and onto an embankment before crashing into a tree.
He said it was believed that Hansrajh was ejected from the vehicle, while Devlal was trapped.
“Members of the fire department were at the scene to extricate one of the occupants from the wreck. VIP medics assessed both occupants but unfortunately they showed no signs of life and were declared deceased on scene.”
Captain Nqobile Gwala, a KZN police spokesperson, said a case of culpable homicide was being investigated.
Hansrajh’s family issued a statement to the POST.
They said he had dreamed of becoming a doctor to help and heal patients and wanted to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology.
“He always said the joy of bringing a new life to a parent is the driving factor for him to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynaecology.
“His aim was to try to bring free medical care at a First-World standard, to the less fortunate. In addition, he enjoyed motor sports, fishing and participated in various sound competitions over the years.”
The family said on his birthday his family and friends had dinner and he left to take Devlal home.
They described Hansrajh as humble, caring, giving and compassionate.
“He had the words of our great Swami Sathya Sai Baba tattooed across his chest, ‘Help Ever, Hurt Never’.
“Viraag received the respect of everyone. He brought joy and laughter to every space he entered. He was a leader in many ways, which was also emulated by many as he had a good presence on social media platforms.”
Danny Moodliar, who hosted the Mr India South Africa 2019 contest at the Hilton Hotel in December, where Hansrajh was the first runner-up, said he was a gentleman.
“He will also forever be remembered as being passionate and outspoken on issues faced by the less fortunate and underprivileged as well as for his charity work.
“We will miss him dearly.” Ashish Misra, a fellow runner-up in the contest, said he met Hansrajh last year and they became friends.
“In that short space of time we became like brothers. He was a pure and humble soul,” said Misra.
“I live in Johannesburg and he told me if I am in Durban and need a place to stay or a lift anywhere to call him. He was helpful.
“It was devastating to hear he passed away as I had just spoken to him a few hours earlier.
“I wished him for his birthday and he told me he was going to have supper with his family to celebrate.”
Aaliyah Chaboo, Miss India South Africa 2019, said she met Hansrajh a year ago.
“We met during the contest and we became friends. He was down to earth and always ready to help anyone.
“He was one of the kindest guys I had the pleasure to work with and get to know.”
Devlal’s family declined to comment. Hansrajh’s funeral took place at the Clare Estate Crematorium on Thursday and Devlal’s took place the following day.