Lede: A fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce on August 12 resulted in three deaths, with the driver allegedly making an illegal U-turn.
Video footage shows Harjinder Singh, 28, executing the illegal maneuver seconds before a minivan collided with his semi-trailer. Authorities said Singh cut across the highway using an “Official Use Only” access point near mile marker 171, blocking all northbound lanes and leaving the minivan without time to react.
The crash claimed the lives of three individuals from Broward and Miami-Dade counties, whose identities are pending release by the Florida Highway Patrol. Singh was arrested at the scene and charged with three counts of vehicular homicide. He is currently held in the St. Lucie County Jail, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeking to ensure his deportation following state proceedings.
According to federal records, Singh entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border in 2018 and obtained a commercial driver's license in California despite lacking legal immigration status. California law permits undocumented immigrants to apply for driver's licenses, which has prompted criticism from Florida officials and the Department of Homeland Security.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner labeled Singh's actions “shocking and criminal.” DHS emphasized the licensing policy's role in the incident, raising concerns about public safety.
Under Florida law, commercial trucks are prohibited from utilizing “Official Use Only” turnarounds. Investigators say Singh's decision facilitated the fatal collision.