Truck driver Manvir Singh arrested after Highway 99 crash in Lodi, California, leaving two dead and five injured.
The city of Lodi, California, was shaken this week by a tragic accident on Highway 99 that claimed two young lives and left several others injured, leading to the arrest of 24‑year‑old truck driver Manvir Singh.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Singh was driving a semi‑truck southbound near Harney Lane on May 19, 2026, when he lost control of the vehicle.
The truck struck a guardrail and triggered a chain‑reaction crash involving three other vehicles.
The violent collision resulted in the deaths of two victims, ages 16 and 20, while five others were rushed to local hospitals, two of them suffering major injuries.
Witnesses reported that Singh fled the scene on foot immediately after the crash, sparking a manhunt that ended when San Joaquin County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended him nearby.
Authorities confirmed that Singh now faces multiple felony charges, including vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, felony hit‑and‑run resulting in death or injury, and resisting arrest.
His bail has been set at $185,000, and he is scheduled to make his first court appearance on May 22, 2026.
Investigators are working to determine the precise cause of the crash, examining whether speed, mechanical failure, or driver error played a role.
Officials have emphasized that Singh did not possess proper training or licensing for commercial trucking, raising serious concerns about how he came to be behind the wheel of a big rig on one of California’s busiest highways.
The California Highway Patrol has described the incident as one of the most devastating crashes in recent months, underscoring the dangers posed by unqualified drivers operating heavy commercial vehicles.
The tragedy has reignited public debate over highway safety and the enforcement of trucking regulations, particularly on Highway 99, a corridor notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents.
Beyond the immediate criminal charges, Singh’s immigration status has also drawn attention. Authorities revealed that Singh entered the United States illegally in 2023 and was previously released by federal officials.
In the wake of the crash, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer request, meaning Singh could be transferred into federal custody once local proceedings conclude.
This development has fueled broader discussions about immigration enforcement and the vetting of individuals working in high‑risk industries such as commercial trucking.
Critics argue that lax oversight has allowed untrained drivers to operate vehicles that pose significant risks to public safety, while others caution against conflating immigration issues with road safety concerns.
Community members in Lodi have expressed grief and outrage over the incident, with many calling for stricter enforcement of trucking regulations and better oversight of drivers.
Families of the victims are demanding accountability, not only from Singh but also from the systems that allowed him to operate a semi‑truck without proper qualifications.
Local officials have pledged to review safety measures along Highway 99, which has long been considered one of the most dangerous stretches of road in California.
The crash has also prompted renewed calls for investment in infrastructure improvements and enhanced monitoring of commercial vehicles.
As Singh awaits his court appearance, the case continues to draw widespread attention across the state.
Legal experts note that the charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence carry significant penalties, and the hit‑and‑run allegations further compound the seriousness of the case.
If convicted, Singh could face a lengthy prison sentence, followed by deportation proceedings. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are left to grapple with unimaginable loss, mourning the lives cut short in an accident that many believe could have been prevented.
The Highway 99 crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences when it is compromised.
For the residents of Lodi and beyond, the arrest of Manvir Singh is not just a criminal case but a catalyst for broader conversations about accountability, regulation, and the responsibility of both individuals and institutions to protect lives on the road.
