Indian-Origin Truck Driver Pleads Guilty to Fatal Crash While Playing Mobile Game in Canada
An Indian-origin truck driver has admitted to causing a deadly pileup in Canada while he was actively playing a mobile phone game behind the steering wheel. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others with serious injuries.
Details of the Fatal Collision on Highway 30
Baljeet Singh, a 29-year-old resident of Ontario, pleaded guilty in a Longueuil courthouse to charges of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm. The crash occurred on July 19, 2022, on Highway 30 in Brossard, near Montreal. Singh was operating a 53-foot tractor-trailer when he failed to slow down while approaching heavy traffic near a construction zone, triggering a multi-vehicle collision.
Investigations revealed that Singh had used his mobile phone 18 times in the hour leading up to the crash and was engaged in an online game at the moment of impact. A report indicated he had only 0.35 seconds to react before the collision, suggesting the accident could likely have been avoided if he had been paying attention to the road.
Victims and Injuries from the Deadly Pileup
The crash claimed the lives of 42-year-old Nancy Lefrançois and her 11-year-old son Loïc Chevalier, who were in a passenger vehicle struck during the pile-up. Several other individuals sustained severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, and internal bleeding, highlighting the devastating consequences of distracted driving.
Evidence of Distraction and Legal Proceedings
Dashcam footage and additional evidence showed repeated distractions by Singh, including lane weaving, traffic violations, and failure to take required rest breaks. After initially speaking to police, Singh left Canada and traveled to India. He was arrested abroad in 2025 and extradited back to Canada to face charges.
In court papers, Singh apologized for his actions and is currently in custody awaiting sentencing in June. Under Canadian law, dangerous driving causing death can lead to life imprisonment, underscoring the severity of the offense.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mobile phone use while driving, particularly for commercial vehicle operators. It emphasizes the critical need for adherence to traffic laws and the importance of focused attention on the road to prevent such tragedies.
