A charter bus driver has been charged after allegedly causing a fatal crash in Virginia that resulted in five deaths. Jing S. Dong, a driver based in Staten Island, New York, is a naturalized U.S. citizen from China. He obtained his commercial license in 2024, but does not speak English. This breaches federal regulations for bus drivers.
The Virginia State Police announced on Saturday that Dong faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter, with more charges pending. The tragic incident occurred on Interstate 95 southbound in Stafford County. Dong’s E&P Travel bus reportedly collided with an SUV, which triggered a chain reaction crash at around 2:35 a.m. on Friday.
A teenage girl, a young boy, and their parents were killed when their vehicle caught fire. They were identified as Dmitri Doncev, 45, his wife Ecterina, 44, their 13-year-old daughter Emily, and 7-year-old son Mark, all from Greenfield, Massachusetts. Also, Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, from Worcester, Massachusetts, in the SUV directly in front of the bus, died in the crash.
The State Police’s preliminary investigation suggests that traffic in the southbound lanes was slowing due to a work zone ahead. The bus, traveling from New York City to Charlotte, N.C., failed to slow down. It struck a Chevrolet Suburban, which forced the vehicle into an Acura SUV and several others. The bus continued to hit additional vehicles, leading to extensive damages and injuries. Dozens of individuals were hospitalized.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns over Dong’s English proficiency, emphasizing that drivers must understand and speak English adequately for safe operation. Duffy wrote online about the importance of enforcing road rules and preventing drivers who lack necessary language skills from handling such responsibilities.
The Transportation Department has started an investigation into Dong’s licensing records, training, and driving history. Authorities will scrutinize any company, trainer, or school involved in facilitating an unqualified driver.