A tragic early morning crash along Interstate 95 in Virginia has left five people dead—including two children—and dozens more injured following a devastating chain-reaction collision involving a charter bus.
According to Virginia State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. near the 146-mile marker in Stafford County, Virginia, as southbound traffic slowed ahead of a work zone.
Investigators say a charter bus operated by E&P Travel, traveling from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, failed to slow down and collided with a Chevrolet Suburban. The impact triggered a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.
Authorities reported that the force of the initial collision pushed the Suburban into an Acura SUV, which later caught fire. Additional vehicles were struck as the crash unfolded, with the bus ultimately coming to a stop after impacting several cars. The bus was carrying approximately 34 passengers at the time.
Officials confirmed that five individuals lost their lives in the crash. Four victims were occupants of the Acura SUV—a 45-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy from Greenfield, Massachusetts. The fifth victim, a 25-year-old woman from Worcester, Massachusetts, was traveling in the Chevrolet Suburban.
Emergency responders transported approximately 44 people to area hospitals for treatment, including at least three individuals reported to be in critical condition. The bus driver, identified as Jing S. Dong of Staten Island, New York, was also injured. Authorities have indicated that charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Federal officials have joined the investigation, with Sean Duffy noting that early findings suggest the driver may not have been proficient in English and obtained a commercial driver’s license in New York in 2024. Investigators are reviewing licensing records, training standards, and the driver’s background.
Abigail Spanberger expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised first responders for their swift and coordinated efforts at the scene.
The crash remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine all contributing factors, including driver behavior, road conditions, and compliance with safety regulations. Additional updates are expected as more details become available.