Bus Driver Charged After Deadly Virginia Crash
The driver of a bus involved in a tragic accident in Virginia that claimed the lives of five individuals, including four family members en route to a wedding, has been charged with manslaughter. Jing S. Dong, 48, from New York City, was charged on Saturday with two counts of manslaughter, with additional charges anticipated.
Victims Identified
Virginia State Police have identified the four family members as a 7-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl, a 44-year-old woman, and a 45-year-old man, all hailing from Greenfield, Massachusetts. The fifth victim, 25-year-old Priscilla R. Mafalda of Worcester, Massachusetts, was operating a Chevrolet Suburban that was struck by the bus on southbound Interstate 95, resulting in a collision with the Acura her family was riding in.
Local Community in Mourning
Expressing the community’s grief, Greenfield Mayor Virginia Desorgars stated that words cannot adequately convey the pain of this unexpected loss. She assured the family’s loved ones that they are not alone during this challenging time.
Investigation into Driver’s Circumstances
State police have reported that Dong sustained injuries in the crash, but it remains unclear whether he is currently in custody or has legal representation. The Stafford County public defender’s office did not respond to inquiries regarding this matter over the weekend. Federal investigators are exploring potential factors such as fatigue, medical issues, or disabilities that may have contributed to the incident.
NTSB Joins the Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a six-member team to investigate the crash in Stafford County, located approximately 40 miles south of Washington, D.C. Their examination will focus on the driver’s behavior in the 72 hours leading up to the accident, including the possibility of sleep disorders or impairment due to drugs or alcohol.
Details of the Collision
The crash occurred at around 2:35 a.m. when the bus failed to decelerate, impacting up to six vehicles near mile marker 146. In addition to the fatalities, 44 individuals were hospitalized, with three in critical condition. While roughly 34 people were on board the bus, specifics regarding their injuries have not been disclosed. Investigators are also assessing whether the bus driver attempted to apply the brakes before the collision.
Company Records and Safety Violations
The bus was traveling from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, and is operated by E&P Travel, a company based in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, which currently maintains four buses and 11 drivers. Regulatory records indicate that E&P Travel has received four violations, primarily related to speed limit infractions and allegations of inadequate English proficiency among drivers. The company did not respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
NTSB’s Ongoing Assessment
Following the crash, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced increased scrutiny on bus operators, particularly concerning the drivers’ backgrounds as immigrants with limited English skills. NTSB Commissioner Tom Chapman stated that evaluative measures regarding the driver’s language abilities are still ongoing, with a preliminary report expected within a month and a comprehensive final report anticipated to take one to two years to complete.
