WINDSOR, ONTARIO — A Windsor judge has sentenced a transport truck driver to nine months in jail for careless driving causing death following a Highway 401 collision that killed two people, court officials said.

Lovepreet Singh, 30, of Brampton, was sentenced to nine months after pleading guilty to careless driving causing death in connection with a crash that happened Sept. 23, 2022, on the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 near Belle River Road.

Court heard Singh’s phone was “active” on a call at the time of impact and that he received a text message 26 seconds before the collision. Investigators said he was traveling about 104 to 106 km/h as he approached a construction zone.

Justice Daniel Topp said the force of the impact collapsed the rear of the victims’ sedan and the vehicle burst into flames. Three members of the victims’ family traveling in an SUV ahead were also injured, the court heard.

Officials said Singh remained at the scene and attempted to help rescue the victims, suffering burns to his hands in the process.

Despite Singh’s guilty plea, remorse, and what the judge described as strong prospects for rehabilitation, Justice Topp said a custodial sentence was necessary to send a message to the community and restore public trust in the transport truck industry.

After completing his jail term, Singh will be prohibited from driving for four years, the court heard.

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