A truck driver has been charged with vehicular homicide following an alleged illegal U-turn on a Florida highway that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, according to authorities.
Harjinder Singh, 28, was taken into custody after the incident on August 12 near Fort Pierce on the Florida Turnpike. He reportedly attempted to turn his tractor-trailer at an “unauthorized location,” as stated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
The Indian national entered the U.S. unlawfully by crossing the southern border in 2018, and he now faces potential deportation after the legal proceedings.
Incident Overview
During the illegal U-turn, a black Chrysler Town & Country minivan collided head-on with the tractor-trailer. Footage from the truck’s cab captured the event. Two passengers—a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami—died at the scene, while the 30-year-old driver from Florida City passed away later at the hospital, according to FLHSMV officials.
Neither Singh nor his passenger, a 25-year-old man from Yuba City, California, sustained injuries in the crash.
Legal Proceedings
Singh was apprehended in California by U.S. Marshals on a warrant for three counts of vehicular homicide linked to the fatal crash. It remains uncertain whether he will be extradited to Florida to face the charges. Federal immigration authorities have issued a detainer, which could initiate deportation proceedings once the criminal case concludes.
Under Florida law, vehicular homicide is categorized as a second-degree felony, carrying a possible 15-year prison sentence.
Statements and Reactions
White House press secretary Abigail Jackson remarked that the tragedy was “totally preventable,” asserting that individuals without legal status should not be given commercial driver’s licenses. FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner condemned the crash as both “shocking and criminal,” reassuring that Singh would be deported after facing state charges.
American Trucking Associations COO Dan Horvath emphasized the need for thorough audits of commercial driver license issuances and warned about the significance of language proficiency for operating commercial vehicles.
Background on Harjinder Singh
A review of Singh’s situation by the California Department of Vehicles is ongoing. Singh obtained his commercial driver’s license after unlawfully entering the U.S. in 2018. There are unverified claims connecting him to a 2019 incident in Arkansas but officials confirmed he had no links to that crash.
Singh reportedly expressed fear about returning to India following a processing for expedited removal during the Trump administration.
Next Steps
Federal authorities have placed a detainer on Singh, which may lead to deportation after the conclusion of his criminal case. His next court appearance is set for Tuesday.
