A charter bus driver from Staten Island, New York, has been charged following a tragic accident in Virginia that resulted in five fatalities. Jing S. Dong, a naturalized U.S. citizen from China, is facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Additional charges are expected, according to the Virginia State Police.
The incident occurred on Interstate 95 in Stafford County at approximately 2:35 a.m. Friday. Dong allegedly failed to slow down the E&P Travel bus he was driving, which led to a collision with an SUV. This caused a chain reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.
A Massachusetts family, identified as Dmitri Doncev, 45, his wife Ecterina, 44, their 13-year-old daughter Emily, and 7-year-old son Mark, perished in the crash when their vehicle caught fire. They were residents of Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Tragedy on Interstate 95
Police reported that the bus hit a Chevrolet Suburban, forcing it into an Acura SUV and other vehicles. Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, from Worcester, Massachusetts, who was in the SUV struck by the bus, was also killed.
The Virginia State Police stated, “The preliminary investigation indicates that traffic was slowing southbound for an upcoming work zone.”
Several individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment following the accident.
Driver’s License and Language Concerns
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed concerns regarding Dong’s qualifications as a driver. Federal regulations require bus drivers to be proficient in English for safe communication. Dong reportedly does not speak English, prompting Duffy to criticize the licensing process.
Duffy remarked on social media, “Unacceptable. This is exactly why we are holding states accountable, enforcing the rules of the road, and cracking down on drivers who can’t speak English.”
The Transportation Department is investigating licensing records, training documentation, and Dong’s driving history. Institutions involved in his certification and employment will undergo scrutiny.
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