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FLORIDA - Florida authorities have subpoenaed California-based White Hawk Carriers Inc. following a traffic accident that allegedly killed three Floridians.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that the company must provide documents detailing the citizenship status of all licensed drivers and records related to 28-year-old Harjinder Singh, the driver involved in the crash.
Singh, an Indian national, allegedly made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County on August 12th, causing a collision that killed three people.
Federal records indicate Singh was issued commercial driver’s licenses in Washington and California despite reportedly failing the required English proficiency tests.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Singh correctly answered only two of twelve verbal questions and identified one of four highway signs during the assessment.
Uthmeier stated the criminal subpoena requires White Hawk Carriers to respond within 20 days.
It includes 27 specific requests, including information on Florida-licensed drivers, company affiliates, how driver applications are verified, and records related to Singh’s licensing and the crash.
The incident has prompted national attention.
Federal authorities temporarily froze visas for foreign-born truck drivers and warned states that fail to enforce English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers may face funding cuts.
Federal investigations have also noted that White Hawk Carriers has received 25 truck-safety violations in its last 24 inspections and may be restricted from operating outside California.
Singh was extradited to Florida after authorities said he fled to California following the crash.
Uthmeier has urged stricter oversight of driver licensing to prevent similar incidents and ensure that commercial drivers meet federal safety standards.