21-Year-Old Arrested After Deadly Big Rig Crash in Ontario

ONTARIO, Calif. — A 21-year-old man from Yuba City was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs after a tragic chain-reaction collision on the 10 Freeway that left three people dead and several injured on Tuesday, October 21.

The crash occurred around 1:10 p.m. on the westbound lanes of the freeway, just west of the 15 Freeway interchange. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials report that traffic had slowed or stopped when the driver of a Freightliner tractor-trailer failed to stop in time, causing a multi-vehicle crash involving eight vehicles, including four commercial trucks.

Dashcam footage obtained by ABC7 captured the moment the semi-truck collided with the back of an SUV before plowing into other vehicles. CHP Officer Rodrigo Jimenez described the incident as horrific, emphasizing the devastating impact on the victims’ families.

During the crash, two victims were trapped in a vehicle that caught fire, while the third victim, identified as a 54-year-old man from Upland, was driving a pickup truck. Five others sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were taken to local hospitals. As of Wednesday morning, the identities of most victims had not been released.

Jimenez warned that this incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of responsible driving, particularly for those operating large vehicles. “This is sadly a reminder of how precious life is and how fast it can be taken away by an impaired driver,” he said.

Singh was charged with driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center with bail set at $25,000 and is scheduled to appear in Rancho Superior Court.

In addition to the fatalities, the spilled fuel from the semitruck created a hazardous materials situation, prompting the closure of several lanes, which were reopened around 1 a.m. Wednesday after the debris and hazardous materials were cleared.

The FBI is asking witnesses to contact Officer C. Gonzalez at the CHP Rancho Cucamonga Area office if they have any information regarding the crash.