UPDATE: A shocking crash in San Bernardino County has left three people dead and two hospitalized. The incident, involving a semi-truck driven by illegal immigrant Jashanpreet Singh, raises urgent questions about California’s compliance with federal regulations regarding commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that California unlawfully upgraded Singh’s CDL just weeks after a new federal rule took effect on September 26, 2025. This rule prohibits illegal immigrants from holding commercial driving privileges. Singh’s driving rights were expanded on October 15, 2025, coinciding with his birthday, despite clear federal guidelines.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy placed the blame squarely on Governor Gavin Newsom, stating, “This tragedy would have never happened if Gavin Newsom had followed our new rules. California broke the law, and now three people are dead.” Duffy emphasized the need for justice for the victims, highlighting that the state failed to enforce the stricter standards mandated by the USDOT.
The crash occurred when Singh’s truck collided with slow-moving traffic on the 10 Freeway Tuesday afternoon. Dashcam footage captured the moment Singh plowed into the back of an SUV, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction that resulted in multiple vehicles being engulfed in flames.
Federal authorities have since placed an arrest detainer on Singh, signaling a critical move to prevent his release. The DOT had previously identified “significant compliance failures” in California’s handling of CDL applications and mandated an audit of its practices.
“My prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragedy,” Duffy stated. The timing of Singh’s license upgrade raises serious concerns about the safety of California’s roads and the enforcement of immigration laws.
As investigations unfold, the focus remains on accountability for those responsible for this oversight. With three lives lost and others impacted, this incident underscores the urgent need for adherence to safety regulations.
The consequences of this tragic event could lead to significant legal ramifications for the state. Authorities are now tasked with ensuring that such catastrophic failures do not happen again. As more details emerge, the community is left grappling with the emotional fallout from this devastating crash.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story.
