- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The pursuit of the American dream ended in tragedy for 21-year-old Indian-origin truck driver Jashanpreet Singh, who caused a fiery crash in Southern California that killed three people and injured four others, including himself. Singh, originally from Punjab, India, reportedly entered the United States illegally in 2022, crossing the southern border from Mexico and first being intercepted by US Border Patrol agents in California’s El Centro Sector.
Singh was released from a detention centre pending immigration proceedings under the Biden administration’s “alternatives to detention” policy, which allows certain undocumented migrants to remain free while awaiting court hearings. His journey in the US was marked by struggles to make ends meet. Singh’s best friend, Gurjot Malhar, told CBS Sacramento, “Coming from India, it’s gonna be hard to make dollars here. … So, he wanted to keep going.” Malhar described him as “an amazing guy” who “always talked with love and care,” highlighting the personal tragedy behind the fatal incident.
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Details Of Crash
The deadly collision occurred on Tuesday on the 10 Freeway in Ontario, California, involving four semi-trucks, two pickup trucks, and two cars, creating fiery wreckage and major traffic disruptions. Dashcam footage from Singh’s truck revealed the Freightliner tractor-trailer slamming into an SUV and other slow-moving traffic. The initial impact triggered a fire that claimed the lives of at least three people. Singh and a roadside mechanic assisting with a tire change were among those injured.
Singh Driving Under Influence
California Highway Patrol Officer Rodrigo Jimenez confirmed that Singh was driving under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash and reportedly never applied the brakes. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with the truck plowing through slow-moving vehicles, leaving devastation in its path.
Following his arrest, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Singh did not have valid immigration status. An immigration detainer has been lodged, ensuring Singh remains in custody while authorities review his case.