WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — An undocumented truck driver has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide after a crash on August 12 killed three occupants of a minivan.
According to the New Mexico State Police (NMSP), Harjinder Singh, 28, was driving a 2024 International semi-truck near mile marker 171 when he made an illegal U-turn in an “official use only” area. His trailer crossed all northbound lanes, colliding with a 2015 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, which became wedged beneath the trailer.
Emergency responders reported that all three occupants of the minivan were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that Singh was pulled over for a traffic stop on July 3, where he communicated in English with the officer. However, subsequent proficiency testing indicated he struggled, answering just 2 of 12 verbal questions correctly regarding road signs.
Following the crash, federal investigations began into how Singh obtained his commercial licenses in multiple states despite these deficiencies. The Transportation Secretary has since outlined a plan to enforce federal English proficiency rules for commercial vehicle drivers, criticizing states like California, New Mexico, and Washington for not adhering to these standards.
NMSP notes that no English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment was required during the July traffic stop, as there were no communication issues at that time.
The investigation is ongoing as federal agencies continue to assess the situation.