ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A truck driver, Harjinder Singh, faces multiple felony charges following a crash on Florida's Turnpike that killed three people on August 12.
Authorities reported that Singh, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, obtained a commercial driver's license in California. Witnesses called 911 after a semi truck collided with a minivan near mile marker 171, blocking all northbound lanes.
Fire rescue personnel had to remove the minivan's rear hatch to extricate the victims. Rodrigue Dor and Faniola Joseph were pronounced dead at the scene, while driver Herby Dufresne survived initially but later died in a hospital.
Investigators noted that the minivan showed no signs of braking or evasive maneuvers. Language barriers complicated communication with the minivan's driver. Singh's passenger, Harneet Singh, mentioned he was on his phone during the incident and was unaware of why Harjinder attempted an illegal U-turn.
St. Lucie County Judge Lauren Sweet denied bond for Singh, citing a substantial flight risk. He is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide among other felonies.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner condemned Singh's actions, emphasizing the illegality of obtaining a commercial license under his circumstances.
The advocacy group Sikhs for Justice announced plans to provide $100,000 to the families of the victims.
The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement officials continuing to gather evidence.