Three Killed in Ontario Truck Crash: Driver Charged with DUI & Manslaughter

The Ontario crash: A devastating chain reaction

The tragedy unfolded on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 22, 2025, on the eastbound 10 Freeway in Ontario, California. The collision involved eight vehicles, including four commercial trucks, in a catastrophic pileup. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident began when the driver of a semi-truck failed to slow down while approaching congested traffic. 

Dashcam footage from the truck reportedly shows that no brakes were applied before the violent impact. The force of the collision was so severe that it crushed and burned several vehicles, making identification difficult for investigators. The crash resulted in three confirmed fatalities and sent at least four other people to the hospital with injuries.

Driver arrested and ongoing investigation

In the aftermath, authorities arrested 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, the driver of the semi-truck, at the scene. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center in San Bernardino without bail. Singh now faces serious criminal charges, including driving under the influence of drugs causing bodily injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, after toxicology tests confirmed he was impaired at the time of the crash. 

Federal officials from the Department of Homeland Security have stated that Singh is an Indian national who was in the United States without legal authorization. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on him, and the CHP is investigating whether he possessed a valid commercial driver's license at the time of the incident.

The human toll: Remembering the victims

Behind the headlines are the lives tragically cut short and the families forever changed. While official identifications are pending, some victims have been named in preliminary reports.

• Jermaine and Tiffanie Burch: A former Pomona basketball coach and his wife were among those killed. Jermaine Burch was remembered as a beloved figure who mentored countless young people, with his wife, Tiffanie, by his side
• A third victim: The third person who died was in a pickup truck involved in the collision

The families of the victims are now confronted with immense grief, sudden funeral expenses, and the loss of income and companionship. Their journey toward recovery and seeking accountability is just beginning.

A broader safety and policy discussion

This tragic event has intensified an ongoing national debate about commercial trucking safety and state licensing procedures. It is the second high-profile fatal crash in recent months involving a truck driver who was in the US without legal status, following a similar incident in Florida in August that also claimed three lives. In response to these events, the federal government has taken action, including pausing the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers and announcing new sanctions. 

In mid-October, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the federal government would withhold millions in highway funds from California, citing the state's failure to enforce federal English language requirements for truckers. A new federal emergency rule now restricts how states can issue commercial licenses to foreign nationals.

Path to recovery for victims and families

For the families affected by the Ontario crash, the path forward involves both emotional and financial recovery. While nothing can undo their loss, the legal system provides avenues to seek compensation and accountability.

• Seeking accountability: The truck driver faces severe criminal charges. A conviction could provide a measure of justice, though it cannot heal the families' grief
• Civil claims: Families likely have grounds to pursue wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits against the driver and potentially the trucking company that employed him. Successful claims can help recover damages for:
  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • Lost future income
  • Pain and suffering
• Resources for support: Navigating this complex legal process while grieving is incredibly difficult. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is a critical step for families to understand their rights and ensure they are fully compensated for their profound loss

A call for safety and responsibility

This preventable tragedy is a stark reminder that responsibility behind the wheel is paramount. As CHP Officer Rodrigo Jimenez stated, "This is a tragic crash because it was very preventable. If somebody had just paid attention, if everyone was driving sober, this tragedy would not have occurred".

Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured in this horrific crash.