Lede: A crash on Florida’s Turnpike on August 12 resulted in the deaths of three people, prompting a significant investigation into the truck driver involved.
Authorities reported Harjinder Singh, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, was driving the semi truck that collided with a minivan near mile marker 171. Witnesses called 911 after observing the crash, and Singh was seen using a hammer to assist minivan occupants.
Fire rescue teams had to extricate victims from the minivan, with two passengers, Rodrigue Dor and Faniola Joseph, pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Herby Dufresne, was extracted alive but later died in the hospital.
Troopers determined the minivan showed no signs of braking or evasive maneuvers before the collision. Communication barriers complicated the investigation, with an interview of Singh’s passenger revealing he was on his phone and unaware of the maneuver leading up to the crash.
Singh, who is 28 years old, faces six felony charges, including three counts of vehicular homicide. A judge has denied his bond, citing him as a significant flight risk.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles officials criticized Singh for obtaining a commercial driver’s license despite his undocumented status.
Civil rights representatives have sought to clarify that Singh’s actions were not intentional, stating it is unjust to portray him as a malicious actor.
The investigation remains ongoing.