STAFFORD, Va. (WWBT/AP) – A bus collided with six vehicles on Interstate 95 in Stafford County early Friday morning, resulting in five fatalities and 34 injuries.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. on I-95 south near mile marker 146 as traffic slowed for a work zone, according to the Virginia State Police.
Authorities reported that the bus failed to reduce speed, striking the vehicles in front. The crash claimed the lives of five individuals: four from Greenfield, ages 7 to 45, and a 25-year-old woman from Worcester.
In total, 34 people were taken to local hospitals, with three reported in serious condition. The Virginia State Police confirmed they are investigating the circumstances of the crash, and charges are pending.
Emergency response included multiple agencies. Mary Washington Healthcare reported receiving 19 patients, with several admitted to its trauma center in Fredericksburg.
The southbound lanes of I-95 reopened by noon, although traffic remained backed up for miles, according to state transportation advisories.
The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a “go-team” for further investigation into the crash. The bus, operated by E&P Travel, Inc., had a “satisfactory” compliance rating with only one prior injury accident over two years.
UPDATE: Virginia State Police announced that bus driver Jing S. Dong, 48, from Staten Island, NY, has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
The investigation remains ongoing.