A truck driver in a fatal turnpike crash in St. Lucie County is facing vehicular homicide and immigration charges after a collision on Florida’s Turnpike killed three people, according to state authorities.
Truck Driver in Fatal Turnpike Crash Arrested in St. Lucie County
On August 12, 2025, a serious accident occurred on Florida’s Turnpike near the 171-mile marker, close to the northern border of St. Lucie County. The incident involved a northbound 2024 International tractor-trailer and a Chrysler Town & Country minivan. This tragedy comes as local law enforcement intensifies immigration law enforcement amid federal mandates in the region.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that the truck driver, identified as Harjinder Singh, attempted a U-turn in an area marked “official use only.” As Singh crossed the northbound lanes, the minivan, also traveling north, collided with the trailer and became wedged underneath.
Details of the Fatal Turnpike Crash
The crash resulted in the deaths of three people traveling in the minivan. According to the FHP, the victims included a 54-year-old man from Miami, a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, and a 30-year-old man from Florida City.
Two of the minivan’s occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The third, who was driving, was transported to Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he later died. The names of the victims have not been released by authorities.
Truck Driver and Passengers Uninjured
Singh and his two passengers, both men from California aged 25 and 28, were not injured in the crash. No additional injuries were reported at the scene.
Immigration Status and Legal Charges
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles confirmed that Singh was in the United States illegally. He reportedly entered the country from Mexico in 2018 and later obtained a commercial driver’s license in California. This case echoes recent developments, such as former St. Lucie Sheriff Keith Pearson’s statements on immigration enforcement in his new DHS role.
Following the crash, troopers charged Singh with three counts of vehicular homicide. An Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer was also placed on him, according to state officials.
Deportation Proceedings After State Charges
Dave Kerner, executive director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, stated that Singh is currently in custody. He will be deported after the resolution of his state charges, in line with new federal orders impacting local immigration law enforcement.
Florida Turnpike Safety and Official Use Areas
Florida’s Turnpike is a major transportation route through the Treasure Coast, including St. Lucie County. The crash occurred in an “official use only” area, which is not intended for public vehicle maneuvers such as U-turns.
Law enforcement agencies stress that using these areas improperly can result in severe accidents, as demonstrated in this case.
Recent Fatal Accidents on the Treasure Coast
This incident is one of several fatal crashes reported in the region in recent years. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of driver awareness and adherence to traffic laws, especially on high-speed roadways like the turnpike.
- Date of crash: August 12, 2025
- Location: 171-mile marker, Florida’s Turnpike, St. Lucie County
- Vehicle types: 2024 International tractor-trailer, 2015 Chrysler Town & Country minivan
- Fatalities: Three minivan occupants
- Truck driver: Harjinder Singh, in U.S. illegally, charged with vehicular homicide
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Driver in Fatal Turnpike Crash
What happened in the fatal turnpike crash in St. Lucie County?
A tractor-trailer attempted a U-turn in an official use only area on Florida’s Turnpike. A minivan traveling north collided with the trailer, resulting in three deaths.
Who was the truck driver in the fatal turnpike crash?
The driver was Harjinder Singh, who authorities say was in the United States illegally and held a California commercial driver’s license.
How many people died in the St. Lucie County turnpike accident?
Three people in the minivan were killed. Two died at the scene, and the third died at Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce.
Are there official use only areas on Florida’s Turnpike?
Yes, official use only areas exist for authorized vehicles and emergency access. They are not intended for public U-turns or regular traffic maneuvers.
Can truck drivers with immigration violations face deportation after criminal charges?
Yes, if a truck driver is found to be in the country illegally and is charged with a crime, they may face deportation after state charges are resolved.
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