FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike on August 12 killed three people, with federal officials confirming that the truck driver involved is undocumented.
Authorities said Harjinder Singh, 28, made an illegal U-turn using an “Official Use Only” access point near mile marker 171, before a minivan collided with his tractor-trailer, which blocked all northbound lanes. The driver of the minivan and two passengers, all from Broward and Miami-Dade counties, died in the crash.
Singh was arrested at the scene and is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide. He remains in St. Lucie County Jail, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placing a detainer for his deportation upon the resolution of his state case.
According to federal records, Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 and obtained a commercial driver’s license in California, despite lacking legal immigration status. California’s Assembly Bill 60 allows undocumented individuals to apply for driver’s licenses, including commercial licenses.
The incident has evoked criticism from Florida officials and the Department of Homeland Security. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner described Singh’s actions as “shocking and criminal.” DHS officials implicated California’s licensing policy in facilitating this incident.
The crash is stirring concern within the trucking industry regarding licensing and training standards. Longtime truck driver Grant Maxey emphasized the need for better oversight.
Under Florida law, commercial trucks are prohibited from using “Official Use Only” turnarounds. Investigators have indicated that Singh’s decision to do so led directly to the fatal collision.