Three Killed in Turnpike Crash Involving Undocumented Trucker
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A crash on the Florida Turnpike that occurred on August 12 near Fort Pierce has resulted in the deaths of three South Florida residents. The incident involved a minivan and a tractor-trailer when the driver, Harjinder Singh, allegedly made an illegal U-turn, blocking traffic.
Authorities reported that Singh, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, fled to California shortly after the crash. He faces multiple criminal charges and has been denied bond, labeled a flight risk. Singh is accused of obstructing public safety and causing the fatalities, leading to significant community outrage and a petition calling for leniency that has garnered millions of signatures.
Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins stated, “Three lives ended early,” emphasizing accountability regardless of the driver's background. Collins has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's immigration policies, linking them to incidents like this.
Emergency services responded to the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Singh obtained commercial driver's licenses in Washington and California, raising questions about regulatory oversight.
Collins has expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged to advocate for stricter immigration enforcement in Florida. The crash remains under investigation by local and federal agencies.