Sacramento, California, USA: Southern California was shaken by a deadly accident earlier today when a 21-year-old Indian national was taken into custody for triggering a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County.
Three Dead in Interstate Collision
The driver, identified as Jashanpreet Singh, was operating an 18-wheeler semi-truck when he ploughed into vehicles moving slowly ahead of him.
The violent impact claimed three lives and injured several others.
According to dashcam recordings, Singh allegedly failed to brake before the collision occurred.
Driver Under the Influence
Authorities confirmed through toxicology tests that Singh was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
He now faces multiple charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and other associated criminal offences.
Immigration and Legal Background
Federal investigators disclosed that Singh entered the United States illegally in 2022 by crossing the southern border.
He was subsequently released under the Biden administration’s “alternatives to detention” program, awaiting an immigration hearing.
After his arrest, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency issued a detainer to hold him for further action.
Spotlight on Trucking Regulations
This fatal incident has reignited discussions about the licensing of commercial drivers who are non-citizens.
Just a few months ago, in August, another undocumented immigrant, Harjinder Singh, was charged in Florida for a similar crash that also took three lives.
Reports indicate that both Jashanpreet and Harjinder possessed California-issued commercial driving licenses.
Officials Demand Tighter Oversight
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy criticised California’s regulatory system, accusing state authorities of failing to strictly enforce federal requirements, such as English language proficiency and driver verification for commercial vehicle operators.
He emphasised the need for stricter screening measures to ensure that only qualified and verified individuals are behind the wheel of heavy trucks.
Debate Over Immigration Policies Intensifies
The case has once again sparked national debate over U.S. immigration enforcement and its implications for public safety.
Analysts caution that such tragic incidents may heighten anti-immigrant sentiment, potentially harming the reputation of lawful and responsible immigrants across the country.
October 23, 2025
