FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A petition signed by over 2.5 million people advocates for leniency for Harjinder Singh, a truck driver charged in a crash that killed three people.
Authorities reported that Singh, 28, was operating a 2024 International semi-truck when he made an illegal U-turn at mile marker 171, resulting in a collision with a 2015 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The crash left three occupants of the minivan dead.
According to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Singh originally faced three counts of vehicular homicide, but a judge later added three counts of manslaughter. Singh was extradited from California and has an immigration hold due to his undocumented status.
The Collective Punjabi Youth launched a petition on Change.org, urging Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency to reduce Singh’s sentence, describing the incident as unintentional. The petition highlights Singh’s lack of a prior criminal record and advocates for alternative sentencing options.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicated that Singh’s actions caused significant lane obstruction and dangerous driving conditions. St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro criticized Singh’s conduct, stating he showed no remorse and failed to check on the victims after the accident.
Singh, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, reportedly struggled with English and road sign tests during the investigation. Following his state charges, he faces deportation. Further investigation is ongoing, with a commitment to ensuring accountability for all involved.