Sukhmander Gill dies in fatal Turlock big rig crash on Highway 99
Fatal Turlock big rig crash death of Sukhmander Gill – Obituary
A tragic incident occurred Thursday morning when a semi-truck driven by 65-year-old Sukhmander Gill veered off Highway 99 and crashed into a carport near the Avena Bella apartments.
The collision, which happened just before 10 a.m., caused the big rig to strike three parked vehicles, with one car occupied at the time.
Gill, a resident of Livingston, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. A man inside a Toyota Tacoma, which was struck by the big rig, was injured but fortunately suffered only minor wounds. Identified as 26-year-old Jose Valencia of Turlock, he was taken to Emanuel Medical Center for treatment.
According to Officer Eric Parsons of the California Highway Patrol, the Freightliner truck was traveling northbound on the highway at an unknown speed when it suddenly left the roadway, crashing through a chain-link fence and a concrete sound barrier wall before hitting the carport. Although no signs of braking were found, authorities are still investigating whether any distractions, alcohol, or drugs played a role in the crash.
In addition to the damage to the vehicles, the collision caused some harm to a nearby apartment, including broken windows. Diesel fuel leaked from the semi, but sand was used to absorb the spill. The Turlock Fire Department and American Medical Response teams assisted in the aftermath of the incident.