ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A crash on Florida's Turnpike resulted in three fatalities on August 12, involving a semi-truck and a minivan.
Authorities state that the truck driver, Harjinder Singh, 28, entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 but was issued a commercial driving license in California. Witnesses reported the incident and immediately called 911 after observing the crash.
Emergency responders arrived to extricate the victims from the minivan. According to an arrest affidavit, two passengers, Rodrigue Dor and Faniola Joseph, were pronounced dead at the scene. Driver Herby Dufresne was initially rescued but later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Troopers noted a lack of braking or evasive maneuvers from the minivan.
Singh, who has refused to speak to law enforcement without an attorney, attempted an illegal U-turn through an “Official Use Only” access point, blocking all northbound lanes. His passenger, Harneet Singh, mentioned he was using his phone and did not know why Harjinder made the turn.
According to previous reports, a St. Lucie County Judge denied bond for Singh, citing a significant flight risk. He faces six felony charges, including three counts of vehicular homicide.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles officials condemned Singh's actions, emphasizing the legal implications of his driving status. A civil rights representative stated that Singh's actions should not be framed as intentional malice. The advocacy organization Sikhs for Justice announced plans to offer $100,000 to the families of the victims.