Semi-truck driver killed in crash near Stanislaus-Merced county line

A semi-truck driver was killed in a solo-vehicle crash on Friday night near the Stanislaus-Merced county line, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The man was identified as Gurbir Singh, a 48-year-old Manteca resident.

Singh was driving a Freightliner tractor with a trailer north on Interstate 5, north of Highway 140, at the time of the crash, which was just before 8:30 p.m.

At some point, he veered to the right, entered the east shoulder and then crashed down a dirt embankment, a CHP release stated.

The truck crashed into a barbed wire fence and sustained “major collision damage.” Singh was pronounced dead at the scene.

Drugs or alcohol as factors in the crash had not been determined as of Monday morning. However, CHP did determine that Singh was not wearing his seat belt.

“The CHP would like to remind all motorists, a seat belt, when worn properly, has the ability to save your life when involved in a traffic crash,” read the CHP release.