Stafford County, Virginia — A devastating crash on Interstate 95 in Virginia has left five people dead, including two children, and dozens more injured after a bus slammed into multiple vehicles in a highway work zone early Friday morning.
Authorities say the deadly collision occurred in the southbound lanes near the 146-mile marker in Stafford County, triggering a chain-reaction crash that involved several vehicles and sent emergency crews rushing to the scene.
Bus Allegedly Failed to Slow for Traffic
According to Virginia State Police, the crash happened at approximately 2:35 a.m. when traffic was slowing because of a work zone on Interstate 95.
Investigators said the bus failed to slow down and crashed into multiple vehicles ahead, setting off a devastating sequence of collisions.
Authorities believe as many as six vehicles were involved in the crash.
The bus, which was traveling from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, struck several vehicles, including a Chevrolet Suburban and an Acura carrying multiple occupants.
Family of Four Among Those Killed
Police confirmed that four of the victims were traveling in an Acura that became involved in the chain reaction.
The deceased included a 7-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl, a 44-year-old woman, and a 45-year-old man, all from Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Authorities also confirmed that a 25-year-old woman from Worcester, Massachusetts, who was inside the Chevrolet Suburban struck by the bus, was killed.
The names of the victims have not yet been publicly released.
The tragedy has deeply impacted communities in Massachusetts, where residents are mourning the sudden loss of multiple lives.
Dozens Injured in Massive Highway Crash
In addition to the fatalities, 44 people were transported to hospitals with injuries, according to state police.
Officials said three victims remain in critical condition.
Authorities noted that approximately 34 passengers were on board the bus, though investigators have not publicly detailed how many of those passengers were injured.
Emergency responders spent hours treating victims and securing the crash scene following the devastating collision.
Investigation Focuses on Driver’s Actions
Virginia State Police said investigators are focusing heavily on the actions of the bus driver leading up to the crash.
The driver was identified as Jing S. Dong, 48, of New York City.
Authorities said charges are pending as the investigation continues. The bus operator was identified as E&P Travel, a North Carolina-based transportation company.
Federal transportation records reportedly show the company has previously been cited for multiple violations, including allegations involving excessive speeding by bus drivers.
The records also indicate one of the company’s buses was involved in a crash in 2024 that left nine people injured, although fault was not assigned in that incident.
Federal Investigators Join Crash Probe
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it is sending a team to assist Virginia State Police in determining the cause of the crash.
Government officials also responded publicly to the tragedy.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy offered condolences to the victims and their families while promising scrutiny of the operator involved.
“My prayers are with the loved ones of the innocent lives lost and those who were hurt in this horrific crime,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abigail Spanberger wrote that her “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.”
Greenfield Mayor Virginia Desorgher also mourned the deaths of four local residents.
“There are no words that can fully ease the weight of this sudden and unimaginable grief,” she said. “Please know that you are not walking through this dark time alone.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine exactly what caused one of the region’s deadliest highway crashes this year.
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