A fatal Florida Turnpike crash in St. Lucie County resulted in three deaths and criminal charges for the truck driver involved. The incident, which occurred on August 12, 2025, has raised significant concerns about highway safety and commercial driving regulations in the region, as highlighted in the recent coverage of the St. Lucie County Turnpike crash investigation.
Florida Turnpike Crash Details in St. Lucie County
The Florida Turnpike crash happened near mile marker 171, just south of the northern border of St. Lucie County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident involved a commercial tractor-trailer and a minivan traveling northbound.
The tractor-trailer, a blue 2024 International semi-truck, was hauling a box trailer in the outside lane. The driver attempted a U-turn into an “official use only” area, crossing all northbound travel lanes. A black 2015 Chrysler Town & Country minivan in the inside lane was unable to avoid the truck and collided with it, becoming wedged under the trailer’s left side. This type of maneuver has been the focus of previous incidents, such as the semi-truck U-turn crash that left three dead on the Florida Turnpike in Fort Pierce.
Who Was the Driver in the Florida Turnpike Accident?
Harjinder Singh was identified as the driver of the semi-truck that caused the Florida Turnpike crash in St. Lucie County. Singh was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide by FHP troopers. Authorities also placed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer on him after his arrest, as detailed in the report on the truck driver’s homicide and immigration charges.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Singh entered the United States from Mexico in 2018 and obtained a commercial driver’s license in California. He is currently in custody on state vehicular homicide charges and immigration violations.
Victims of the Florida Turnpike Crash
Officials have not released the names of the three people who died in the St. Lucie County accident. However, authorities confirmed the victims were:
- A 30-year-old man from Florida City
- A 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach
- A 54-year-old man from Miami
All three were inside the minivan involved in the crash. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, and the third died at Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce shortly after the accident.
Location and Circumstances of the St. Lucie County Crash
The Florida Turnpike accident occurred just south of the St. Lucie County northern border, near mile marker 171. This area is a busy corridor for both commercial and passenger vehicles traveling through the Treasure Coast.
The crash site involved an “official use only” access road, which is not intended for public U-turns. The FHP report states that the truck’s attempt to cross all northbound lanes was a direct cause of the collision with the minivan.
Legal Actions and Immigration Status of the Driver
After the fatal accident, Harjinder Singh was arrested and charged with three counts of vehicular homicide. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also reported that Singh is in the country illegally and faces deportation after his state charges are resolved.
Dave Kerner, executive director of the department, confirmed that Singh will remain in custody on both state and immigration violations. The case has prompted discussions about commercial driver licensing and background checks for interstate truck drivers.
Highway Safety and Commercial Driving Regulations
This Florida Turnpike crash in St. Lucie County highlights ongoing concerns about highway safety, especially regarding large commercial vehicles. The use of “official use only” areas by unauthorized vehicles presents risks to both drivers and passengers.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash. The incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to traffic laws and regulations for all drivers on Florida’s highways.
Impact on the Treasure Coast Community
The loss of three lives in this accident has affected families across South Florida, including communities in Florida City, Pompano Beach, and Miami. Local officials and safety advocates are urging increased awareness and enforcement of commercial driving rules on the Florida Turnpike and throughout the Treasure Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Turnpike Crash St. Lucie County
What caused the Florida Turnpike crash in St. Lucie County?
The crash was caused when a commercial truck attempted a U-turn in an “official use only” area, crossing all northbound lanes and colliding with a minivan that could not avoid the truck.
Who was the driver involved in the Florida Turnpike accident?
Harjinder Singh was identified as the driver of the semi-truck involved in the crash. He faces vehicular homicide charges and immigration violations.
How many people died in the St. Lucie County Turnpike crash?
Three people died in the accident: a 30-year-old man from Florida City, a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, and a 54-year-old man from Miami. Their names have not been released.
Where did the Florida Turnpike crash happen in St. Lucie County?
The accident occurred near mile marker 171, just south of the northern border of St. Lucie County, on the northbound side of the Florida Turnpike.
Are there new safety measures after the Florida Turnpike accident?
Authorities are reviewing highway safety protocols, especially regarding commercial vehicle use of access roads. No specific new measures have been announced yet.
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