Ontario, CA – October 24, 2025 | Ayuda California News
Authorities in San Bernardino County have identified the truck driver responsible for Tuesday’s deadly multi-vehicle crash on I-10 as Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old resident of Yuba City. Singh faces three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one count of DUI causing injury.
Details of the Tragic Crash
The collision occurred Tuesday afternoon when Singh’s tractor-trailer slammed at high speed into a line of stopped vehicles near the Interstate 15 interchange in Ontario.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the red semi-truck never braked before impact. The chain-reaction crash involved at least four big rigs and four passenger vehicles, leaving three people dead and four others seriously injured.
“This crash was entirely preventable. If someone had been paying attention, if everyone drove sober, these deaths wouldn’t have happened,” said CHP Officer Rodrigo Jiménez.
Authorities confirmed that two victims were inside a vehicle, so crushed and burned, they could not yet be identified. The third victim was a passenger in a pickup truck.
Among the deceased were a Los Angeles County high school basketball coach and his wife, according to the Pomona Unified School District.
Arrest and Formal Charges
Singh was arrested at the scene and booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one count of DUI causing injury under California Penal Codes §§192(c)(1) and California Penal Codes 23153(a).
Although authorities did not specify which substance was involved, they confirmed that Singh was under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision. He is scheduled to appear in court this week.
Ongoing Investigation
The CHP said this remains a complex crash reconstruction case due to the number of vehicles involved. Investigators are reviewing:
- The truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) shows driving and rest hours.
- Possible mechanical failures that could have contributed to the crash.
- The front dashcam video, which has circulated on social media, shows the seconds before impact.
Rights of the Victims’ Families
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §§377.60–377.61, families of the victims may file a wrongful death claim against the driver and potentially the trucking company, if corporate negligence or lack of supervision is proven.
Possible claims include:
- Funeral and emergency medical expenses
- Loss of future income and financial support
- Emotional distress and loss of companionship
- Punitive damages under Civil Code §3294 if gross negligence is established, such as driving under the influence or ignoring rest and safety regulations.
Under FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations, trucking companies are responsible for:
- Ensuring drivers are properly trained and sober.
- Enforcing Hours of Service limits.
- Maintaining vehicles through regular safety inspections.
If the company failed to meet these standards, it may share civil liability for the fatalities.
Immigration Issues and the Criminal Process
The case has reignited debate over how the media and justice system portray immigrants involved in serious accidents. Some outlets reported that Jashanpreet Singh is an Indian immigrant without legal status, though authorities have not confirmed his immigration status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
It is important to note that the criminal process focuses on the alleged crimes, not immigration status. Charges such as vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and DUI causing injury are prosecuted equally for all defendants — citizens, residents, or undocumented immigrants.
Organizations, including the ACLU, ILRC, and CHIRLA, have urged the public not to criminalize immigrant communities for isolated cases.
“Justice does not see passports — it sees responsibility,” said a CHIRLA spokesperson.
In a state where one in five immigrant workers is employed in transportation or logistics, these incidents highlight the urgent need for safety, regulation, and fair justice without prejudice or stigma.
Ayuda California: Legal Support for Families of Serious Crash Victims
At Ayuda California, we deeply mourn the losses caused by this tragic crash. We understand that behind every headline are families facing grief, uncertainty, and complex legal challenges.
Our team offers free Spanish-language legal consultations for families of victims involved in commercial trucking or DUI-related accidents.
Your immigration status does not affect your right to justice.
Call us today for a free and confidential consultation.
We can help with:
✅ Wrongful death and gross negligence claims
✅ Trucking company liability investigations
✅ Insurance claims and comprehensive legal support
✅ Guidance for families affected by intoxicated or reckless drivers
🔹 Ayuda California: Justice for victims — without barriers or excuses.
