Post by : Rameen Ariff

An Indian-origin truck driver accused of causing a horrific crash that killed three people in Ontario, California, was found sober at the time of the incident, according to updated findings from US authorities. However, the case has been classified as a grossly negligent homicide due to reckless driving.

The accused, Jashanpreet Singh, 21, from Yuba City, was arrested on October 21 under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after his semi-truck plowed into stopped traffic, killing three and injuring several others. Initial reports suggested intoxication, but toxicology tests later confirmed no substances were found in his blood.

Despite clearing him of intoxication, prosecutors filed an updated complaint charging Singh with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and reckless driving on a highway causing injury.

Dashcam and eyewitness footage reportedly showed Singh speeding into halted vehicles, leading to the deadly pile-up.

“This is a heinous tragedy that took three lives and severely injured others. It was easily avoidable had the defendant not been driving in a grossly negligent manner,” said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson.

Singh, identified as an illegal immigrant who entered the US via the southern border in 2022, remains in custody without bail, with officials citing him as a flight risk.

This marks the second major crash involving an Indian-origin truck driver in recent months. In August, Harjinder Singh, 28, was charged in Florida after making an illegal U-turn that caused a fatal collision, killing three people.

Following that incident, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a temporary halt to commercial truck driver work visas, citing concerns over safety and the influx of foreign drivers on American roads.

As investigations continue, authorities emphasize that reckless driving and disregard for road safety, not intoxication, remain central to the charges against Jashanpreet Singh.

#world news #Global News #India News