STAFFORD, VA. – A bus driver involved in a deadly multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 has pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter.
Jing Dong entered the plea in Stafford County Circuit Court on Wednesday morning. According to his defense attorney, Tom Walsh, Dong maintains his innocence, stating the collision was an accident and emphasizing he was driving below the speed limit at the time of impact.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on May 29, approximately 50 miles south of Washington, D.C. The 2013 Van Hool motorcoach, operated by Dong, struck a backup in a construction zone, colliding with a Chevrolet Suburban and an Acura MDX, resulting in a chain reaction involving 10 vehicles.
A post-crash fire consumed the Acura MDX, killing all four occupants. One passenger in the Suburban also died, and several others sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.
Dong is currently being held without bail, though Walsh plans to file a motion for bond within the next week and a half. Legal proceedings are split across two county courts, with a probable cause hearing set for August 28 in General District Court and a status hearing scheduled for September 8 in Circuit Court. A formal trial date is set for October 6.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident.