A deadly chain-reaction crash on the 10 Freeway in Ontario, California, has left three people dead and several others injured. The tragic incident, captured on dashcam footage, involved a semitruck that plowed into multiple vehicles, sparking a law enforcement investigation into the causes of the crash.
Details of the Crash
The fatal accident occurred on the westbound 10 Freeway, just east of the 15 Freeway, on Tuesday afternoon. The incident left three people dead, and at least four others were injured. The crash, which was caught on dashcam video, shows a Freightliner semitruck slamming into the back of an SUV before causing a pileup with several other vehicles in the same lane.
The driver of the semitruck, identified as 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh from Yuba City, California, was arrested at the scene on charges of driving under the influence of drugs and vehicular manslaughter. Singh was later transported to a hospital for medical examination, where authorities determined he was impaired at the time of the crash.
Investigation and Arrest
Singh, an Indian national who entered the U.S. in 2022, was reportedly in the country illegally. California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Rodrigo Jimenez confirmed that Singh was driving under the influence of drugs and noted the tragic nature of the crash. “The hardest part is knowing that at least three of these individuals will not have a Christmas, will not make it home as we’re getting to the holiday season,” Jimenez said.
Victims and Impact
The victims have not all been identified, but a 54-year-old man from Upland was confirmed as one of the deceased. The other two victims sustained severe burns and are yet to be identified. Their families are expected to face devastating news, as the crash has left a permanent impact on those affected. The incident also highlights the broader concerns about impaired driving and the potential consequences of irresponsibly driving while under the influence.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation into the crash is ongoing. CHP officials are inspecting the semitruck to rule out any mechanical failures that might have contributed to the accident. However, the dashcam footage clearly shows that the truck was not reacting to a vehicle cutting in front of it, supporting the claims of impaired driving as a leading cause of the crash.
Community Reactions
The community of Ontario and beyond has been shaken by the tragedy. “This is sadly a reminder of how precious life is, and how fast it could be taken away at the hands of somebody who is driving irresponsibly, somebody who is impaired,” Officer Jimenez added. The CHP continues to urge drivers to prioritize safety, especially as the holiday season approaches, with heightened traffic and increased potential for such accidents.
Conclusion
As investigations into the fatal crash continue, authorities are calling for greater awareness of impaired driving. The tragic loss of life serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from driving under the influence.
