A tragic highway crash in Southern California has left three people dead and several others injured after a 21-year-old Indian-origin truck driver allegedly drove under the influence and rammed into slow-moving traffic. The driver, identified as Jashanpreet Singh, now faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, according to Fox News.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 21, when Singh’s semi-truck reportedly barreled into traffic without braking. Eyewitnesses described the moment as “a thunderous impact that shook the entire stretch of road.” Authorities later confirmed that Singh’s toxicology tests showed signs of impairment, suggesting alcohol or drugs were involved at the time of the crash.
Officials stated that Singh’s truck collided with several vehicles before coming to a halt, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Multiple others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is leading the investigation.
READ: STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Incident: Fatal semi-truck crash in Southern California on October 21, 2025
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Driver: 21-year-old Indian-origin truck driver, Jashanpreet Singh
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Charges: Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
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Casualties: Three dead, several injured
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Immigration Status: Entered U.S. illegally in 2022; detained by ICE
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Policy Link: Released under Biden administration’s “alternatives to detention” program
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Similar Case: August 2025 Florida crash involving another Indian-origin trucker
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Response: U.S. authorities review visa policy for foreign truck drivers
According to officials cited by Fox News, Singh never applied the brakes before the fatal collision. “The lack of any attempt to slow down or avoid the impact raises serious concerns about the driver’s state of mind and fitness to operate a commercial vehicle,” a law enforcement source said.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Singh was not in lawful immigration status at the time of his arrest. He reportedly crossed the U.S. southern border in 2022 and was released pending an immigration hearing under the Biden administration’s 2022 ‘alternatives to detention’ policy. Following his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a formal immigration detainer against him.
“This tragic case highlights the risks associated with releasing unvetted drivers into critical transport roles,” a DHS insider commented anonymously.
Policy and Political Fallout
The crash has intensified political debate over foreign truck drivers and immigration oversight in the United States. The issue gained momentum earlier this year after another Indian-origin truck driver, Harjinder Singh (28), was accused of causing a deadly collision in Florida in August. In that incident, Singh allegedly made an illegal U-turn in his tractor-trailer, resulting in a crash that killed three people. He was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide.
Following the Florida case, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a temporary suspension of commercial truck driver work visas for foreign nationals. His statement on social media drew widespread attention:
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio said.
The California truck crash involving Jashanpreet Singh has now reignited that debate, with growing calls for stricter screening, background verification, and oversight of non-citizen commercial drivers in the U.S. logistics sector.
Community Reactions and Broader Impact
Community leaders from the Indian diaspora expressed sorrow over the incident while calling for accountability. “Such tragic accidents cast a shadow over thousands of hardworking Indian-origin truckers who follow the law and contribute to the U.S. economy,” said a representative from the North American Punjabi Trucking Association (NAPTA).
The trucking industry in the U.S. has long relied on immigrant drivers to fill labor shortages, especially in long-haul transport. However, incidents like this have raised questions about training standards, drug testing protocols, and the monitoring of drivers under probationary immigration programs.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether Singh had previous violations or complaints filed against his commercial driving record. Meanwhile, ICE officials said the immigration case against him will proceed parallel to the criminal charges.
The California DUI truck crash underscores the urgent need to review both immigration procedures and commercial driving regulations. As investigations continue, U.S. policymakers face renewed pressure to balance national road safety with immigration enforcement and labor demands.
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