Shocking dashcam footage has captured the moment a semitruck ploughed into multiple vehicles on the westbound 10 Freeway in Ontario, California, in a crash that left at least three people dead and four others injured.
CHP confirmed that the driver, 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh from Yuba City, Northern California, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and vehicular manslaughter. CHP Officer Rodrigo Jimenez told ABC7:
“He was eventually transported to the hospital and checked by medical staff, and our officers determined he was driving under the influence of drugs.”
Authorities say Singh was speeding and failed to brake as he approached slow-moving traffic, triggering the deadly chain-reaction crash.
The collision occurred just east of the 15 Freeway shortly before 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, shutting down several lanes and bringing traffic to a standstill, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Dashcam video obtained exclusively by ABC7 shows a Freightliner tractor-trailer slamming into the back of an SUV before ploughing into several other vehicles in the same lane. It is further reported that the truck eventually veered to the right and came to a stop after colliding with another semitruck.
The footage is now part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation.
One of the victims has been identified as a 54-year-old man from Upland, while the other two, who were severely burned, have not yet been named.
“For us officers, it’s really horrific to see not just the deceased, but knowing the families are about to receive the worst possible news,” Jimenez told ABC7.
“The hardest part is knowing that at least three of these individuals will not have a Christmas, will not make it home as we get to the holiday season.”
The westbound lanes were closed for several hours but have since reopened. CHP investigators said they will inspect the semitruck to rule out any mechanical issues and emphasised that dashcam footage shows no other vehicles cut in front of Singh.
Further details about the driver’s background have emerged, with federal sources indicating Singh previously crossed into the U.S. illegally in March 2022 and remains in ongoing immigration proceedings. DHS sources confirmed to Fox News that Singh is not in lawful immigration status, and that ICE has lodged an immigration detainer following his arrest.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine all contributing factors in the devastating crash.
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