A family of four from Massachusetts died early Friday in a multi-vehicle crash involving a bus on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia.
The collision occurred around 2:35 a.m. as vehicles slowed for a work zone. A motorcoach struck a Chevrolet Suburban, which then collided with an Acura carrying the Doncev family, who were en route to a wedding in South Carolina.
Dmitri Doncev, 45, his wife Ecaterina Doncev, 44, and their two children, 17-year-old Emily and 14-year-old Mark, were killed. Also deceased is 25-year-old Priscilla Mafalda from Worcester, Massachusetts, who was in the Suburban.
Emergency responders transported several individuals to Mary Washington Healthcare, where one person remains in critical condition. Most others have been discharged.
The bus driver, Jing S. Dong, 48, of Staten Island, New York, faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Investigators said he will remain in custody while receiving treatment for his injuries at a local hospital.
Virginia State Police indicated that additional charges may follow. Prosecutors have stated that Dong will not have a court appearance until he is discharged, with a magistrate approving his detention without bond.
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a separate investigation, citing the bus was traveling at a high rate of speed during the crash. Witnesses noted minimal braking prior to the impact.
The bus, operated by E&P Travel Inc. of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, was transporting passengers from New York to North Carolina. There are also concerns regarding language proficiency as Dong reportedly does not speak English.
Dmitri and Ecaterina Doncev, who emigrated from Moldova in 2008, were described as devoted parents dedicated to their children and family.