New York: An Indian-origin truck driver involved in a fatal crash that killed three people in California last month has been cleared of driving under the influence, but prosecutors say the case still amounts to grossly negligent homicide.

Jashanpreet Singh, 21, from Yuba City, was initially arrested on October 21 under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after his semi-truck slammed into stopped traffic in Ontario, California, killing three and injuring several others.

However, according to a new complaint filed last week, toxicology reports confirmed no intoxicating substances were present in Singh’s blood at the time of the crash. Despite this, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office said the case continues to be treated as one of “grossly negligent homicide.”

What do the updated charges against Jashanpreet say

The revised complaint now includes three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and a new charge of reckless driving on a highway causing specified injury. Eyewitness and dashcam footage reportedly showed Singh speeding into stationary traffic before the collision.

“This is a heinous tragedy that took three lives and severely injured others. Frankly, it was easily avoidable if the defendant was not driving in a grossly negligent manner and impaired. Had the rule of law been followed by State and Federal officials, the defendant should have never been in California at all,” San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson had said.

Authorities confirmed that no bail has been set for Singh due to the seriousness of the charges and his status as a flight risk.

Jashanpreet's immigration status under scrutiny

Officials said Singh, an illegal immigrant, entered the US through the southern border in 2022 and was released pending an immigration hearing.The case has reignited debate around foreign truck drivers operating in the US, following another deadly crash in Florida in August involving Harjinder Singh, 28, also of Indian origin.

Harjinder Singh allegedly made an illegal U-turn in his tractor-trailer in Florida, causing a deadly crash which killed three people. He faces three counts of vehicular homicide.

After that incident, US Senator Marco Rubio called for a pause on commercial truck driver visa issuances, citing safety and job concerns for American drivers.

“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio had posted on social media.