UPDATE: A 21-year-old truck driver from Northern California is facing serious charges after a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of three people on the 10 Freeway. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Jashanpreet Singh was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident, which occurred on October 21, 2023.
Authorities announced that toxicology reports showed no substances present in Singh’s blood at the time of the crash. The DA’s office has filed an amended complaint maintaining three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence against him, along with one count of reckless driving causing injury.
The collision took place around 1:10 p.m. near the 15 Freeway interchange in Ontario, California. Singh allegedly failed to stop for slowed traffic, resulting in a devastating chain-reaction crash involving four commercial big rigs and four other vehicles. Tragically, this crash claimed the lives of Clarence Nelson, 76, and his wife, Lisa Nelson, 69, both from Fontana. The third victim, identified as Jaime Flores Garcia, has not had further details released regarding his age or residence.
The Nelsons had deep ties to their community, with Clarence recognized as a former assistant basketball coach at Pomona High School, highlighting the profound loss felt by family and friends. Additionally, two individuals, Juan Chavez Alvarez and Tamara Lynn Gay, sustained injuries in the crash, further emphasizing the incident’s widespread impact.
Singh, originally from India, entered the United States at the southern border in 2022 and applied for asylum. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer on Singh, indicating that federal authorities must be notified 48 hours before he is released from local custody.
As the legal process unfolds, this case draws attention not only for its tragic consequences but also for the pressing issues surrounding roadway safety and driver accountability. Authorities are set to continue their investigation, and the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this horrific event.
For those impacted by the crash, support services are being mobilized, and community members are rallying together to honor the victims’ memories. The ongoing investigation will keep the community engaged, and further updates are expected as the case progresses through the legal system.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the legal ramifications for Singh unfold in the coming days.
