News | Port St. Lucie

Semi Driver Faces Charges After Fatal Turnpike Crash in St. Lucie County

August 26, 2025
8:02 pm

A human rights attorney says the semi driver involved in a deadly Florida Turnpike crash in St. Lucie County feels deep grief and remorse. The case has drawn significant attention as the driver, Harjinder Singh, faces multiple charges following the collision that killed three people.

Semi Driver Charged After Fatal Florida Turnpike Crash

The incident occurred on August 12, 2025, when Harjinder Singh allegedly made an illegal U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike in St. Lucie County. According to investigators, this action caused a collision with a minivan, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The tragedy has been widely covered, including in reports such as the Turnpike collision near Fort Pierce that left three dead after a semi U-turn.

Singh, a semi-truck driver, was arrested and is currently being held without bond at the St. Lucie County jail. He faces three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of vehicular manslaughter, as detailed in coverage of the semi-truck driver’s arrest following the fatal crash on Florida’s Turnpike.

Attorney Shares Details on Semi Driver’s Remorse

At a news conference outside the St. Lucie County jail, Gurpatwant Pannun, a human rights attorney and General Counsel for Sikhs for Justice, spoke on Singh’s behalf. Pannun stated that Singh is experiencing significant grief and remorse over the crash.

Pannun explained that Singh made a tragic error in judgment, emphasizing that the driver tried to help the victims after the crash but was unable to access their vehicle. A witness also reported seeing Singh attempt to provide assistance at the scene.

Support for Victims’ Families from Sikhs for Justice

The Sikhs for Justice organization has pledged to contribute $100,000 to the families of the three people who died in the crash. Pannun announced this support during the news conference, highlighting the group’s commitment to helping those affected by the tragedy.

Events Following the Crash on Florida’s Turnpike

After the collision, the Florida Highway Patrol reportedly left Singh at a gas station. According to Pannun, Singh stayed at a motel overnight. The next morning, the owner of the truck arranged for him to receive two airline tickets to return to California.

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins later traveled to California and escorted Singh back to Florida, where he was taken into custody and booked at the St. Lucie County jail. The truck driver in the fatal Turnpike crash now faces both homicide and immigration charges as the case proceeds.

Legal Proceedings and Immigration Status

Pannun addressed questions about Singh’s background, noting that Singh entered the United States illegally but later obtained a license to drive a semi-truck. Despite these circumstances, Pannun expressed confidence that Singh will receive a fair trial in St. Lucie County.

Community and Legal Response in St. Lucie County

The fatal crash and subsequent legal proceedings have drawn attention from both local residents and national organizations. The involvement of Sikhs for Justice and the support for the victims’ families have become central topics in the ongoing case.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. The case is expected to move forward in the St. Lucie County court system, with Singh facing serious charges related to the deaths on Florida’s Turnpike.

Incident date: August 12, 2025
Location: Florida’s Turnpike, St. Lucie County
Driver: Harjinder Singh
Charges: Vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter
Attorney: Gurpatwant Pannun, Sikhs for Justice

Frequently Asked Questions About Semi Driver Charged After Turnpike Crash

What happened during the fatal Turnpike crash in St. Lucie County?

A semi driver allegedly made an illegal U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike in St. Lucie County, causing a collision with a minivan that resulted in three deaths.

How much support are the victims’ families receiving?

The Sikhs for Justice organization is contributing $100,000 to the families of the three crash victims.

Are there any details about the semi driver’s background?

The driver, Harjinder Singh, entered the United States illegally but later received a license to drive a semi-truck.

Can you explain the charges faced by the driver?

Singh is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of vehicular manslaughter, and is being held without bond at the St. Lucie County jail.