ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A truck driver illegally in the U.S. since 2018 has been charged following a crash on Florida's Turnpike that left three dead on August 12.
Authorities reported that Harjinder Singh attempted an illegal U-turn through an “Official Use Only” access point near mile marker 171, blocking all northbound lanes. A minivan collided with Singh's semi truck, resulting in the deaths of passengers Rodrigue Dor and Faniola Joseph at the scene, while driver Herby Dufresne was extricated alive but later succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
Emergency responders had to remove the rear hatch of the minivan to assist the victims. Witnesses alerted 911 after witnessing the crash and observed Singh using a hammer to assist the minivan occupants.
According to an arrest affidavit, both Singh and his passenger, Harneet Singh, were driving from Melbourne to Miami with valid licenses. Harneet reported not understanding why Singh attempted the U-turn.
Troopers noted no evidence of braking or evasive maneuvers by the minivan. Investigators are looking into Singh's earlier actions, and Singh is facing six charges, including three counts of vehicular homicide. Bond was denied due to flight risk concerns.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Singh's actions, calling the crash an avoidable tragedy. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has expressed concern regarding Singh's commercial license obtained despite his immigration status.
This incident remains under investigation, and the trucking company has since terminated both drivers.