5 dead, dozens injured in bush crash on I-95 in Virginia

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – A deadly crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County early Friday morning left five people dead and dozens injured, according to Virginia State Police.

What we know:

Virginia State Police say the crash happened around 2:35 a.m. on Interstate 95 southbound near mile marker 146 in Stafford County.

Preliminary findings indicate southbound traffic was slowing for an upcoming work zone when a bus failed to slow down and struck six vehicles. 

Five people were killed. One was in the first vehicle the bus hit. According to Virginia State Police, she was a 25-year-old woman from Worcester, Massachusetts. The other four were killed in the chain reaction. Their SUV caught fire after it was hit, killing all four people inside — A 45-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy, all from Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Authorities say 44 people were transported to area hospitals. Three of those patients suffered critical injuries.

Virginia State Police identified the bus driver as 48-year-old Jing Dong from Staten Island, New York. Dong was also injured in the crash.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Friday that the bus driver does not speak English. Under federal law, English proficiency is required for all commercial vehicle drivers.

“Our investigators are reviewing New York licensing records, training documentation, and the driver’s history,” Duffy said on X. “Any company, trainer, or school that contributed to putting an unqualified driver on the road will face intense scrutiny.”

Officials are still investigating and charges are pending.

NTSB investigating

Dig deeper:

The NTSB announced Friday afternoon that they would be conducting an investigation into the crash. They’re working in coordination with Virginia State Police. 

Travel Impacts:

Drivers should expect major delays on:

• Interstate 95 southbound
• Route 1 southbound, which is serving as a primary alternate route

Officials warn that congestion is expected to worsen throughout the morning commute.

Alternate routes:

Through travelers are encouraged to avoid the I-95 corridor if possible and consider alternate north-south routes, including:

• Route 301 east of I-95
• Route 29 west of I-95