A driver operating a charter bus faced charges following a deadly crash in Virginia that resulted in five deaths. Jing S. Dong, from Staten Island, New York, who acquired his commercial license in 2024, received accusations of two involuntary manslaughter counts, as reported by the Virginia State Police.
Dong allegedly collided with an SUV while driving an E&P Travel bus on Interstate 95, causing a subsequent crash involving another vehicle at about 2:35 a.m. on a Friday in Stafford County. A teenager and a young child in a different vehicle were killed alongside their parents when their car ignited in flames.
The family affected by this tragic event was from Greenfield, Massachusetts, and included Dmitri Doncev, 45, his wife Ecterina, 44, their 13-year-old daughter Emily, and 7-year-old son Mark. Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, from Worcester, Massachusetts, was also killed; she was in the SUV directly in front of the bus.
The Virginia State Police detailed that traffic had been slowing due to a nearby work zone when the bus, going from New York City to Charlotte, failed to reduce speed and hit a Chevrolet Suburban. The Suburban was slammed into an Acura SUV and other vehicles, with the bus continuing to hit additional cars.
In response to the catastrophe, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated Dong’s lack of English proficiency was against federal guidelines necessary for safe bus operation. Duffy expressed, “Unacceptable. This is why we enforce road rules and target drivers without English skills.” He stressed the importance of proper training, road sign comprehension, and police communication for all bus drivers.
The Transportation Department launched an investigation into New York licensing records, training materials, and Dong’s history as a driver. Duffy warned that any entity responsible for allowing an unqualified driver on the road would undergo rigorous inspection.