FMCSA Investigates Fatal Turnpike Crash in Fort Pierce
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has launched an investigation into a crash on the Florida Turnpike in Fort Pierce that resulted in three fatalities on August 12.
According to authorities, Harjinder Singh, the driver of the semi-truck, allegedly made an illegal U-turn, leading to a collision with a minivan that killed all three occupants. Singh appeared in California court for an extradition hearing after he reportedly fled to Sacramento post-accident.
Singh faces three counts of vehicular manslaughter. Prosecutors are seeking his extradition to Florida. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the circumstances around Singh obtaining a commercial driver's license, stating, “He certainly shouldn't have gotten a commercial driver's license from California.”
FMCSA investigators began their inquiry on August 14 at White Hawk Carriers, Inc., Singh's employer. Preliminary findings indicate that Singh failed an English Language Proficiency assessment, answering only 2 of 12 verbal questions correctly. Investigators are examining the licensing process, noting that California issued Singh a non-domiciled CDL in July 2024 despite regulations prohibiting licenses for individuals without legal status.
Additionally, a licensed CDL was issued to Singh in Washington state in 2023, which FMCSA claims violated its rules. New Mexico State Police also inspected Singh in July 2025, issuing a speeding ticket without administering an ELP assessment. An order signed in May mandates that all commercial truck drivers must be proficient in English.
The investigation is ongoing.