Semi-Truck Driver Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI In Deadly 'Chain-Reaction' IE Crash

ONTARIO, CA — A 21-year-old semi truck driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs following a deadly pileup crash that killed three people and injured four in Ontario Tuesday.

Jashanpreet Singh of Yuba City was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and vehicular manslaughter as authorities investigate the fiery crash on the 10 Freeway, California Highway Patrol spokesperson Rodrigo Jimenez told Patch.

The major injury crash was reported at about 1:14 p.m. just west of Interstate 15, when Singh failed to stop his big rig as traffic in front of his truck slowed down, Jimenez said.

This caused a "chain-reaction" crash, involving a total of eight vehicles, four of which were commercial vehicles, according to Jimenez.

Three people were pronounced dead and four people had injuries, ranging from minor to major, he said.

“This tragic crash serves as a reminder of the importance of sober driving,” said Captain Salvador Suárez, commander of the Rancho Cucamonga Area. “The California Highway Patrol urges all motorist to remain alert, obey posted speed limits, and exercise caution to help prevent future crashes.”

In addition to the crash, fuel from the Freightliner spilled onto the dirt shoulder, Suárez said, which caused a hazardous materials incident. Multiple westbound lanes of Interstate 10 were closed for several hours as emergency crews and investigators worked to clear the scene and conduct an investigation.

The fiery crash also turned political as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took to X to comment.

"This is exactly why @USDOT has withheld $40 MILLION from California for failure to comply with our rules to protect drivers. We cannot allow our roads to be a dangerous place!"

ABC News reported that Singh is an Indian national, who entered the U.S. in 2022.