A semi-truck driver was arrested following a deadly crash on Florida’s Turnpike in St. Lucie County, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving on major roadways. The incident resulted in three fatalities and has raised concerns about commercial vehicle safety in the region, as seen in other recent semi-truck u-turn collisions in Fort Pierce.
Semi-Truck Crash on Florida’s Turnpike in St. Lucie County
The fatal collision occurred on August 12, 2025, near mile-marker 170 of Florida’s Turnpike in Fort Pierce, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Authorities reported that a semi-truck, operated by Harjinger Singh, was involved in a crash with a minivan, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.
Investigators say Singh was driving recklessly and attempted an illegal u-turn, causing the minivan to collide with the side of the commercial vehicle. The crash led to immediate fatalities and significant disruption on the busy highway. This tragic event closely mirrors the Turnpike collision near Fort Pierce that left three dead after a semi u-turn, raising ongoing concerns about driver behavior on the Turnpike.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The Florida Highway Patrol provided further details on the circumstances surrounding the crash. The semi-truck’s illegal maneuver directly contributed to the collision with the minivan, which was traveling lawfully at the time.
- Victims: A 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami died at the scene.
- Third Fatality: The minivan’s driver, a 30-year-old man from Florida City, was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
- Location: The crash occurred in St. Lucie County, near Fort Pierce, a major corridor for both commercial and passenger vehicles.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but the severity of the impact left little chance for survival for those involved in the minivan.
Arrest and Charges for Semi-Truck Driver
Following the investigation, Florida State Troopers secured an arrest warrant for Harjinger Singh. He faces three counts of vehicular homicide, reflecting the gravity of the incident and the loss of life caused by his actions.
FLHSMV officials stated that Singh operated his vehicle “recklessly and without regard for the safety of others on the road.” The agency emphasized the consequences of unsafe driving practices, especially for operators of large commercial vehicles.
Immigration Status and License Irregularities
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Singh had been residing in the United States illegally since 2018. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) collaborated with state troopers to determine that Singh had crossed the border from Mexico and later obtained a Commercial Driver’s License in California.
According to the FLHSMV, Singh is now in custody on both state vehicular homicide charges and federal immigration violations. Officials noted that he will remain detained pending legal proceedings.
Impact on St. Lucie County and Roadway Safety
The crash on Florida’s Turnpike has drawn attention to the issue of commercial driver compliance and roadway safety in St. Lucie County and across the Treasure Coast. Local authorities and state agencies are reviewing the circumstances to identify ways to prevent similar incidents, particularly after major events such as the fatal crash on U.S. 1 in St. Lucie County that led to temporary road closures.
FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner addressed the tragedy, acknowledging the pain experienced by the victims’ families and the broader community. He stressed the importance of enforcing traffic laws and ensuring that all commercial drivers meet legal and safety standards.
Florida’s Turnpike: A Critical Transportation Corridor
Florida’s Turnpike is a vital route for both freight and passenger vehicles, connecting major cities and supporting economic activity throughout the state. The incident underscores the risks associated with improper maneuvers and non-compliance by commercial drivers.
- High volume of commercial traffic increases the potential for severe accidents.
- Enforcement of safety regulations remains a top priority for state agencies.
- Community members are encouraged to report unsafe driving behavior to authorities.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing, with state and federal agencies cooperating to ensure a thorough review. Singh’s arrest marks a significant development, but authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Legal proceedings are expected to address both the vehicular homicide charges and the immigration-related violations. The case highlights the intersection of public safety, immigration enforcement, and commercial vehicle regulation in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About Semi-Truck Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash
What happened during the semi-truck crash on Florida’s Turnpike in St. Lucie County?
A semi-truck driver attempted an illegal u-turn near mile-marker 170, causing a minivan to collide with the truck. Three people in the minivan died as a result of the crash.
How many people were killed in the Fort Pierce Turnpike accident?
Three individuals lost their lives in the accident: two passengers died at the scene, and the driver died later at the hospital.
Are there ongoing investigations into commercial driver safety in St. Lucie County?
Yes, state and federal agencies are continuing to investigate the incident and reviewing commercial driver compliance to improve roadway safety in the region.
Can you provide details about the arrested semi-truck driver’s background?
The driver, Harjinger Singh, had been in the U.S. illegally since 2018 and held a commercial driver’s license from California. He now faces vehicular homicide and immigration charges.
Where are fatal crashes most common on Florida’s Turnpike?
Fatal crashes can occur anywhere along Florida’s Turnpike, but high-traffic areas like St. Lucie County and Fort Pierce see more incidents due to the volume of commercial and passenger vehicles.
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