Driver Learns Fate After Causing Fatal 8-Vehicle Collision on Calif. Freeway That Killed 3 People

A truck driver has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison following a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left four others injured, including himself. Jashanpreet Singh, who was just 21 years old at the time of the incident in October 2025, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty just prior to his sentencing, which took place earlier this month.

The collision occurred on the 10 Freeway in Ontario, California, situated just east of Los Angeles. On that fateful day, Singh was driving a semi-truck when he failed to brake as traffic slowed, leading to a catastrophic crash involving seven other vehicles. This incident was described as a chaotic scene, with a dashcam video capturing the moment Singh’s truck careened through multiple vehicles, ultimately colliding with several others.

Singh’s vehicle struck three semi-trucks, two pickup trucks, and two cars, resulting in a physical wreckage that witnesses later described as resembling a war zone. The violent impact killed three people instantly, including Clarence Nelson, a basketball coach at Pomona High School, and his wife, Lisa. The Pomona Red Devils basketball team expressed their condolences on social media, sharing tributes to the couple and their deep loss.

In addition to the fatalities, four others sustained injuries during the multi-vehicle collision. Among the injured were Singh and a mechanic who had been changing a tyre on the roadside just moments before the crash. The scale of the crash prompted a significant response from emergency services, with officer Rodrigo Jimenez of the California Highway Patrol noting that car parts were scattered across the highway and a hazardous materials incident was declared due to the wreckage.

Singh was initially arrested at the crash site on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). Although he faced charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and DUI causing injury, the latter charge was later dismissed as toxicology tests did not find any illegal substances in his bloodstream at the time of the incident.

Initially maintaining his innocence, Singh’s shift in plea to guilty occurred during a hearing in June. This decision paved the way for his subsequent sentencing, where he received a term of four years and eight months in prison. As part of the proceedings, a statement from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office was released, confirming the details surrounding the plea change.

Singh’s immigration status also came to light during the case. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, he entered the United States through the southern border in 2022 and was residing in the country without legal status at the time of the crash.

Witnesses characterised the dreadful scene, with one individual, Jason Calmelat, likening the sound of the collision to a large explosion. He recounted how Singh’s truck did not attempt to swerve or stop, instead driving directly into the line of vehicles with devastating force. “It just went straight in,” he described.

The fatal incident highlights serious concerns around road safety, particularly involving large vehicles and the implications of driver negligence. The emotional toll of such tragedies resonates deeply within affected communities, as families grapple with loss and the permanence of such incidents.

As Singh serves his sentence, the ramifications of his actions on that tragic day will continue to affect numerous lives, with loved ones left to mourn and reflect on the lives lost in a matter of moments. The Ontario crash stands as a stark reminder of the responsibilities carried by those behind the wheel of heavy vehicles, underscoring the need for vigilance on the roads to prevent further accidents of this nature.