Fatal Highway 99 Crash Exposes Small Carrier Safety Gaps

Key Details A Freightliner Cascadia operated by Amritsar Trans Inc. struck a Kia Forte on northbound Highway 99 near Lodi, California on May 19, 2026, killing two young occupants ages 16 and 20. The impact created a chain-reaction collision involving four vehicles total. Five additional people were hospitalized, with two suffering major injuries. Driver Manvir Singh, 24, fled the scene on foot and was arrested hours later. Why It Matters Singh faces felony charges including vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run resulting in death. His bail was set at $185,000. Investigators have not yet determined if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. The carrier, Amritsar Trans Inc., operates five power units with nine drivers and holds an unrated FMCSA safety rating. Carrier Background Amritsar Trans Inc. shows six violations across 11 inspections over 24 months, including one speeding violation, false duty status records, and hours-of-service violations. These findings highlight gaps in oversight at smaller carriers. The company is insured by Southlake Specialty Insurance and registered in Manteca, California. What's Next This incident underscores ongoing regulatory debates between the FMCSA and state authorities regarding carrier safety standards and inspection protocols.