A 31-year-old truck driver faces serious criminal charges following a devastating collision that claimed two lives on a Cape Breton highway last summer. The RCMP announced yesterday that Pawanpreet Singh of Westmount, N.S., has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death in connection with the August 2023 crash on Highway 105.
The fatal incident occurred when Singh’s tractor-trailer collided with a Honda Civic near the Trans-Canada Highway in Boularderie East, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Sydney. The crash victims, identified as 60-year-old David Sawler and 54-year-old Jane Pyke, both residents of North Sydney, were pronounced dead at the scene.
“This investigation required extensive forensic analysis and accident reconstruction to determine exactly what happened on that tragic day,” said RCMP Corporal Michael Fletcher, who led the investigation. “Our priority has been establishing the facts while supporting the families affected by this terrible loss.”
According to court documents obtained by CO24 News, investigators allege Singh was operating his commercial vehicle in a manner that showed wanton disregard for public safety. Vehicle inspection records and dashboard camera footage reportedly formed critical components of the evidence package submitted to Crown prosecutors.
The trucking company that employed Singh has declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. However, industry safety experts interviewed by CO24 Business note that commercial vehicle operators are held to higher standards due to the potential severity of accidents involving large trucks.
“Commercial drivers undergo specialized training and licensing precisely because their vehicles can cause catastrophic damage,” explained Moira Hennessey, director of the Canadian Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. “When those standards aren’t met, the consequences can be devastating for everyone involved.”
Singh has been released on strict conditions pending a court appearance scheduled for June 15 at the Sydney Provincial Court. The conditions include restrictions on his driving privileges and regular reporting to local authorities.
The charges come amid growing provincial debate about highway safety in Nova Scotia, particularly regarding commercial vehicles. CO24 Politics reported last month that provincial legislators are considering enhanced penalties for commercial drivers found guilty of dangerous driving offenses, including longer license suspensions and mandatory retraining programs.
For the families of Sawler and Pyke, the charges represent just one step in a painful journey. Community members in North Sydney organized a memorial last October that drew hundreds of attendees, highlighting the profound impact the victims had on their tight-knit community.
As this case proceeds through the justice system, how might we better balance the economic necessity of commercial transportation with the paramount concern of public safety on our highways?
