A driver of a semi-truck, Harjinger Singh, was arrested following a catastrophic accident on Florida’s Turnpike that resulted in the deaths of three individuals from South Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the crash occurred near mile marker 170 on August 12 when Singh allegedly attempted an illegal U-turn in a restricted area, designated for ‘official use only.’
During this maneuver, Singh’s truck collided with a Chrysler Town & Country minivan, leading to a tragic outcome. The minivan’s driver, a 30-year-old man from Florida City, was rushed to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Additionally, two passengers in the minivan, a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami, were pronounced dead at the scene. A photograph released by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office depicted the minivan wedged beneath the semi-truck.
Singh emerged from the incident unscathed. In a statement, FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner expressed outrage over Singh’s actions, labeling them as ‘shocking and criminal.’
Kerner emphasized the devastating impact on the families of the victims, stating, ‘Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness, and countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever.’
Singh was apprehended on Saturday in Stockton, California, following a warrant that was issued for his arrest on August 15. The U.S. Marshals Service detailed that Singh and a passenger had flown to Sacramento the day after the crash, which prompted the investigation that led to his capture.
Federal officials uncovered that Singh had been residing in the United States illegally since 2018 after crossing the border from Mexico.
Kerner’s statement highlighted that Singh is not only facing state charges for vehicular homicide but also immigration violations. ‘He will no longer be able to damage and destroy the lives of Floridians and visitors. At the conclusion of his state charges, he will be deported,’ the statement concluded.
It has been confirmed that Singh managed to obtain a commercial driver’s license in California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles stated that legal presence in the U.S. is required for such licenses, and Singh supposedly secured his through the Federal SAVE System, which is designed to validate citizenship and immigration status for people applying for government benefits.
In response, the California DMV affirmed that all federal and state laws were followed while reviewing Singh’s application, indicating that the federal government had confirmed his legal presence.
‘His commercial driver’s license is a federal REAL ID, which he was entitled to receive given the federal government’s confirmation of his legal status,’ stated the Department of Motor Vehicles in part.
Singh was taken into custody without resistance and has been booked into the San Joaquin County Jail while awaiting his initial court appearance. An immigration detainer has also been put in place by ICE.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the situation, stating, ‘The American people have suffered the deadly consequences of illegal immigration for FAR TOO LONG. The DOJ will prosecute every illegal alien and fight against all sanctuary jurisdictions enabling the invasion of our country.’
image source from：nbcmiami
