Ontario, California: 21-Year-Old Truck Driver Charged with DUI After Fatal 8-Vehicle Crash

Photo credit: KTLA

ONTARIO, California — Authorities have identified 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, of Yuba City, as the driver accused of causing a deadly eight-vehicle collision involving four semitrucks on Tuesday afternoon.

The crash happened around 1:10 p.m. on the westbound 10 Freeway near the 15 Freeway interchange, killing three people and injuring four others. Singh, who was behind the wheel of a red Freightliner semi, was booked into West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and vehicular manslaughter, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Witnesses told ABC7 that Singh’s truck was speeding and failed to slow down as traffic stopped ahead, sparking a massive chain-reaction crash involving four semis, two pickups, and two cars.

“It didn’t stop. It didn’t swerve. It didn’t make any kind of maneuvers. It just went straight in,” said witness Jason Calmelat, describing the impact as sounding like a “big explosion.”

CHP Officer Rodrigo Jimenez confirmed that Singh’s truck rolled into an embankment and caught fire before Singh escaped.

“This could have been prevented if somebody had been paying attention sober,” Jimenez stated.

One victim was identified as a 54-year-old man from Upland, while the other two victims — who were severely burned — remain unidentified.

“It’s horrific, not only seeing the deceased but knowing that someone’s family is about to get the worst news of their lives,” Jimenez added.