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Troopers say Harjinder Singh is believed to be in the country illegally.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — A semitruck driver accused of making an “illegal” U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike and causing a crash that left three people dead is now charged with vehicular homicide and immigration violations, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The crash happened in St. Lucie County on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Troopers said Harjinder Singh was driving the semitruck and attempted a U-turn in an “unauthorized location” near Mile Marker 170 when the truck crossed in front of a minivan.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office was on scene and shared a photo showing the minivan underneath the truck. Three occupants in the vehicle died as a result of the crash.
Troopers said Singh was driving “recklessly, and without regard for the safety of others.”
Singh now faces three counts of vehicular homicide. During the investigation, troopers said they learned Singh had entered to United States illegally in 2018 and obtained a California commercial driver’s license. Troopers issued an Immigration and Enforcement (ICE) detainer for Singh.
“The actions taken by the Defendant while operating a commercial tractor-trailer are both shocking and criminal,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “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.
Troopers said when his charges concluded Singh will be deported.