Authorities in the US have arrested Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant truck driver accused of causing a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike that claimed three lives.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said Singh, who entered the United States illegally in 2018 via the U.S.-Mexico border, was behind the wheel of a semi-truck that attempted an illegal U-turn in an “official use only” turn-around near mile marker 171 in Fort Pierce.
The truck crossed into the path of a northbound Chrysler Town & Country minivan, leaving the driver no time to react. The minivan became wedged beneath the truck, killing three people.
A 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami died at the scene, while the 30-year-old minivan driver from Florida City later succumbed to his injuries at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. Singh and his passenger, both men in their 20s from California, were not injured.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said Singh’s actions amounted to recklessness. “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,” Kerner said in a statement.
“Harjinder Singh is in custody on state vehicular homicide charges and immigration violations. He will no longer be able to damage and destroy the lives of Floridians and visitors.”
The fatal wreck shut down all northbound lanes of the Turnpike for hours, causing major traffic delays. FHP said its investigation is ongoing.
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