FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida officials are holding California accountable for issuing a truck driver’s license linked to a deadly Turnpike crash that killed three people on August 12.
According to investigators, 28-year-old Harjinder Singh executed an illegal U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike, blocking all northbound lanes. The crash resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including 30-year-old Herby Dufresne, who was a Haitian father legally in the U.S. through a humanitarian program.
Witnesses described Dufresne as a dedicated worker who supported his family abroad. “His family is completely devastated,” said a friend.
Body camera footage revealed Singh struggling with English during an encounter with state troopers weeks prior to the crash. After the incident, he reportedly scored 2 out of 12 on an English proficiency test, despite holding valid commercial driver’s licenses in California and Washington.
Florida leaders expressed outrage, with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins blaming California’s policies. Gov. Ron DeSantis stated that federal law necessitates commercial drivers to be legally present in the U.S. and proficient in English.
California officials, however, defended their licensing process, stating they adhere to federal and state laws. The DMV emphasized that English proficiency is assessed during driver testing as per federal requirements.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced potential federal penalties for California, Washington, and New Mexico if they fail to enforce English language proficiency for truck drivers.
Singh faces felony charges, including vehicular homicide. Advocacy group leaders expressed condolences for the crash’s victims while stressing Singh’s remorse.
Emergency response teams attended to the scene, and an investigation is ongoing.