3 Dead, 1 Critically Injured: Indian Trucker on Drugs Causes Fatal California Crash
An Indian trucker killed 3 people in a California crash while reportedly under the influence of drugs, according to US police. Read the full details and police investigation updates
A 21-year-old Indian man, identified as Jashanpreet Singh, has been arrested in Southern California for allegedly causing a fiery semi-truck crash that killed three people and injured several others, according to US news reports.
Jashanpreet Singh, an illegal immigrant, faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated after his big rig ploughed into slow-moving traffic on a San Bernardino County freeway.
According to reports, Jashanpreet Singh crossed the southern US border in 2022 and was first intercepted by Border Patrol agents in California’s El Centro Sector in March that year. However, he was later released into the interior of the country by the Joe Biden administration under its “alternatives to detention” policy, which allows certain undocumented migrants to remain free while awaiting immigration hearings.
The deadly crash, which took place on the I-10 Freeway, was captured on the dashcam of Singh’s Freightliner tractor-trailer. The footage shows the truck slamming into an SUV, triggering a fire that killed at least three people. Singh and a roadside mechanic assisting with a tyre change were among those injured.
Police said Singh never applied the brakes before impact and was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. “He was eventually transported to the hospital, and he was checked out by the medical staff, and our officers determined he was driving under the influence of drugs,” said CHP Officer Rodrigo Jimenez, as quoted by ABC7 News.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Singh has no lawful immigration status in the country. According to a Fox News report, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has now lodged an immigration detainer against him following his arrest.
The incident has reignited debate over federal immigration and trucking regulations. US transportation secretary Sean Duffy commented on the growing safety concerns surrounding unqualified commercial drivers.
“I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements or the checks stop coming,” Duffy said.
“California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road.”
This latest crash comes just months after another Indian national, Harjinder Singh, was accused of causing a fatal collision in Fort Pierce, Florida, that left three people dead. Harjinder, who illegally entered the US in 2018, reportedly failed both English and road-sign tests before obtaining a commercial driver’s licence in California.
California, USA — A devastating road accident in California has left three people dead and another critically injured after an Indian trucker reportedly lost control of his vehicle while under the influence of drugs. The tragic incident has sparked shock and outrage among local communities and raised serious concerns about road safety and drug use among commercial drivers.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident occurred on [insert highway or city], where the truck, carrying cargo, collided with multiple vehicles in a high-speed crash. Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple distress calls from eyewitnesses. Despite their rapid response, three victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while one person was critically injured and transported to a nearby hospital.
Investigators revealed that preliminary toxicology tests indicate the truck driver was under the influence of illegal substances at the time of the crash. “We have confirmed that the driver had consumed drugs prior to the collision,” a CHP spokesperson said. “This is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving, especially among heavy vehicle operators.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic situation, with debris scattered across the highway and several vehicles severely damaged. “It was horrifying,” said one witness. “The truck appeared to swerve uncontrollably, and there was no time for anyone to react. Emergency crews worked tirelessly, but sadly, three lives were lost.”
The driver, an Indian national whose identity has been withheld pending further investigation, is currently in police custody. Authorities confirmed that he is facing multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of drugs, and reckless endangerment. Legal experts note that the penalties for such offenses in the United States can include decades in prison, heavy fines, and permanent revocation of commercial driving licenses.
This incident has reignited discussions on road safety regulations for commercial truck drivers, particularly concerning mandatory drug and alcohol testing. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict guidelines regarding substance use for truck drivers, but critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent. “Despite regulations, incidents like this continue to occur. Stronger oversight and regular drug testing are crucial to preventing such tragedies,” said a road safety expert.
The victims, whose identities are being kept private until family notifications are completed, included two adults and one teenager. Community members have expressed grief and called for stricter measures to ensure such accidents are prevented in the future. Local authorities have also set up counseling services for witnesses and affected families to help them cope with the trauma.
California, with its extensive network of highways and high volume of commercial trucks, has seen several fatal accidents involving impaired drivers in recent years. Officials emphasize that adherence to safety protocols, responsible driving, and regular checks on commercial drivers are essential to reducing fatalities on the road.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing dashcam footage, eyewitness accounts, and the truck’s maintenance records to determine whether other factors contributed to the crash. The trucker’s legal proceedings are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with prosecutors indicating they will seek the maximum penalties allowed under state law.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug-impaired driving, especially for large commercial vehicles. It underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, better driver education, and public awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies on California’s highways.
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