A devastating collision on Florida’s Turnpike resulted in the deaths of three individuals after a semi-truck executed an illegal U-turn across the northbound lanes. The accident, which occurred near mile marker 170 in St. Lucie County, has led to both legal scrutiny and a troubling wave of racial backlash.

The semi-truck, towing a box trailer, was heading north in the outer lane when it crossed multiple lanes to use a median designated strictly for “Official Use Only.” As it attempted the abrupt U-turn, a black Chrysler Town & Country minivan, traveling in the inner lane, crashed into the trailer and became lodged underneath.

The crash unfolded around 3 pm and emergency responders from St. Lucie Fire Rescue were quickly on the scene. However, all three occupants of the van were pronounced dead. The victims have been identified as a 30-year-old man from Florida City, a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, and a 54-year-old man from Miami. Authorities confirmed that two passengers died at the scene, while the third succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital.

Photos from the aftermath showed the van crushed and mangled beneath the trailer, its roof sheared off and debris scattered across the highway. Rescue teams were forced to use hydraulic equipment to lift the trailer and recover the victims.

Following the incident, all northbound lanes of the Turnpike were shut down for hours as investigators worked at the scene and urged drivers to seek alternate routes.

The truck driver, reportedly a Sikh man of Indian origin, has been identified by some outlets as Harjinder Singh. Officials say he was not injured in the crash, nor was a male passenger traveling with him. Initial reports suggest Singh was operating the vehicle with a California-issued commercial driver’s license.

FHP: Minivan had no chance to avoid truck’s sudden lane-crossing

Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the minivan “was unable to avoid” the semi-truck, which had crossed over all lanes to attempt the U-turn. The move, at a clearly marked “official use only” cut-through, is under heavy scrutiny as officials probe the legality and decision-making behind it.

As investigations continue, Singh faces legal consequences. According to CBS 12, Singh has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer against him, alleging he has been in the country illegally since 2018 after crossing the U.S.–Mexico border. He remains in custody and, if convicted, could face prison time before deportation.

The footage of the collision, taken from inside the truck, shows the minivan speeding towards the trailer with barely any time to react before the devastating impact. The video sparked heated commentary across social media, much of it targeting the driver’s ethnicity and immigration status.

Highway Safety Chief Blames Reckless Driving for Tragic Loss

Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, condemned the act, stating: “Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness, and countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever.”

Although charges have been filed, the case has also become a lightning rod for political debate, with some falsely accusing the State of California for licensing an “illegal immigrant.” These claims have added a xenophobic dimension to the already tragic case.

Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident, with both federal and state charges pending. As the legal process unfolds, the families of the victims are left to mourn a loss many believe could have been prevented.