Truck Driver Charged in Fatal Crash in California
A 21-year-old truck driver of Indian descent has been accused of causing a semi-truck collision while under the influence, resulting in the deaths of three individuals in California earlier this week, according to media reports.
Details of the Incident
The driver, Jashanpreet Singh, reportedly crashed his truck into slow-moving traffic in Southern California on Tuesday, as per a report by Fox News. The incident resulted in three fatalities and numerous injuries.
Police Findings
According to police, Singh did not apply the brakes before colliding with the traffic, and toxicology tests indicated impairment. He has been arrested on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Family and Community Support
Singh, a native of Gurdaspur district in Punjab, has received support from his family and villagers, who assert that the drug-related allegations against him are unfounded and call for a thorough investigation.
Family Statements
Ravinder Singh, Jashanpreet’s father, expressed sadness over the tragic accident but firmly rejected the drug allegations, stating, “My son has never even looked at drugs.” Villagers echoed these sentiments, describing Singh as a devoted individual from a Gursikh family who has always been talented.
Calls for Justice
Singh’s family and community members have appealed to the Indian government to assist in securing justice for him, urging authorities in Punjab and at the national level to engage with the U.S. government and California police for a comprehensive investigation to prevent defamation of a Sikh individual.
Immigration Status and Previous Incidents
Reportedly, Jashanpreet is an undocumented immigrant who crossed the southern border of the U.S. in 2022, subsequently released pending an immigration hearing. Sources from the Department of Homeland Security noted that he does not have lawful immigration status. This incident marks the second case involving an Indian-origin truck driver implicated in a deadly crash in the U.S. this year.
