QEUBIC(CANADA)A 29-year-old truck driver of Punjab origin, Baljeet Singh, has been sentenced to six years in prison in Canada for a fatal highway crash that killed a mother and her 11-year-old son and left 10 other people injured. The Quebec court also imposed a 10-year driving prohibition after Singh pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death in connection with the July 2022 collision near Montreal.
The tragic accident occurred on Highway 30 near the Saint-Hubert borough of Longueuil. Evidence presented during the court proceedings showed that Singh was playing an online game on his mobile phone while driving his truck when the collision took place. The crash claimed the lives of 42-year-old Nancy Lefrançois and her 11-year-old son, Loic, while 10 other people sustained injuries.
Following the collision, Singh was taken to hospital for nervous shock. However, he disappeared the following day, prompting investigators to trace his movements. According to the case details, he travelled to Toronto before leaving for India and subsequently reaching California in the United States.
Canadian authorities issued an international arrest warrant, and Singh was arrested by US federal agents in California in 2025. He was subsequently extradited to Canada to face the charges arising from the fatal crash.
In April, Singh pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death. The court handed down the six-year prison sentence in accordance with a joint recommendation submitted by the prosecution and defence. In addition to imprisonment, he has been prohibited from driving for 10 years.
Under Canadian law, dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The sentence in this case followed the agreement presented jointly by both sides and accepted by the court.
The case has drawn considerable attention in Quebec because of the devastating consequences of distracted driving. The deaths of a mother and her young son have highlighted the potentially irreversible damage that can result when drivers divert their attention from the road to mobile phones and other electronic devices.
The incident also serves as a reminder to commercial vehicle operators that driving requires constant attention and responsibility. A moment of distraction behind the wheel of a heavy truck can put numerous lives at risk, with consequences that extend far beyond the driver.
The loss suffered by the victims’ family and the injuries sustained by others underline the importance of road safety, responsible driving and strict compliance with traffic laws. The court’s sentence brings the criminal proceedings to a significant stage, although no punishment can undo the loss experienced by the affected families.
Punjab Outlook | News Report