Florida/California: A 29-year-old Indian national, Harjinder Singh, is facing vehicular homicide charges in the United States after a tragic crash on the Florida Turnpike claimed three lives. Singh, who had been living in the U.S. since 2018, was arrested last Saturday in California by U.S. Marshals on an active warrant issued in Florida.
Singh, who previously cited a threat to his life in India as the reason for staying in the U.S., had been processed for deportation but was granted temporary relief after being released on a $5,000 immigration bond in early 2019. He has remained under immigration proceedings since then.
The Crash That Sparked Outrage
According to authorities, the fatal incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. last Thursday when Singh, driving a commercial semi-truck, attempted an illegal U-turn through an “Official Use Only” median on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce.
His manoeuvre blocked all lanes of oncoming traffic. A minivan, unable to stop in time, crashed directly into the trailer, becoming wedged underneath. Two passengers died instantly, and the third—who was driving—succumbed to injuries later at the hospital.
Singh and a passenger in the truck were not injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Legal Action and Immigration Hold
Singh has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and is currently being held on an ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainer.
“The actions taken by the defendant while operating a commercial tractor-trailer are both shocking and criminal,” said Dave Kerner, Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
“Three lives were lost due to his recklessness, and their families will carry this pain forever,” he added.
Singh reportedly obtained a California commercial driver’s license sometime after his release on immigration bond, raising further questions about regulatory oversight.
