The Virginia State Police is investigating a multi-vehicle crash that killed five people and injured 44 more in Stafford County early Friday.
The wreck occurred about 2:35 a.m. on southbound Interstate 95 at the 146-mile marker, near the Quantico Marine Corps base, authorities said.
A preliminary investigation indicates that traffic was slowing for an upcoming work zone. A bus, operated by E&P Travel and heading from New York City to Charlotte, N.C., failed to slow down and struck a Chevrolet Suburban, police said. The Suburban was then forced into an Acura SUV as well as into additional vehicles.
The bus, which was carrying about 34 occupants at the time of the impact, struck additional cars as well.
There were five fatalities. Four were in the Acura: a 45-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy, all from Greenfield, Mass. The Acura caught fire after the collisions. The fifth victim, Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, of Worcester, Mass., was in the Suburban that was struck by the bus.
About 44 patients were transported to area hospitals, three with critical injuries. A total of 17 (12 from Stafford Hospital, five from Mary Washington Hospital) were discharged
The driver of the bus, Jing S. Dong, 48, of Staten Island, N.Y., suffered injuries in the crash. Dong has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, with additional charges pending. Each count of involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum period of confinement of 10 years in prison, Stafford Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Olsen said in a prepared statement Saturday.
“Even as the Virginia State Police continues to conduct a complex investigation, I have determined that probable cause presently exists to establish that the driver of the tour bus caused this crash and, at the time of the crash, he was driving in a criminally negligent manner,” Olsen said.
The National Transportation Safety Board, in coordination with state police, was sending a “go-team” to conduct a safety investigation.
Based on the number of patients, a “mass casualty incident” was declared, Stafford County Fire and Rescue posted on Facebook.
Authorities said the crash occurred after a bus failed to stop for slow traffic. (Photo courtesy of Virginia State Police)
Thirteen transport units, two heavy rescue squads, multiple engines and trucks, and support resources responded to the scene, the agency said.
“This was a significant event for all involved, please keep everyone involved in your thoughts,” the post said. “Our crews worked incredibly hard through a very complex and difficult incident.”
Stafford Fire and Rescue personnel were assisted by mutual aid partners from the Fauquier County Fire Rescue System, Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, and Marine Corps Base Quantico Fire and Emergency Services, the Stafford Professional Fire Fighters Local 4012 posted on Facebook.
“Both Stafford County heavy rescue companies worked extensively to extricate multiple trapped victims while engine company personnel simultaneously operated to suppress vehicle fires and secure the incident scene,” the union post said.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger also addressed the incident on Facebook.
“My heart is with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and I am praying for a quick recovery for those injured,” the governor said.
“Thank you to Virginia State Police, Stafford County Fire and Rescue, and the other first responders who arrived quickly to the scene to support rescue efforts,” she added.
The wreck caused major travel delays, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation, and forced the closure of all southbound lanes in the vicinity of the crash for several hours. All lanes reopened at noon.
