146-Mile Marker Bus Accident: Five Killed, Including Two Children, 44 Injured After Deadly I-95 Bus Crash in Stafford County

A tragic multi-vehicle crash involving a charter bus on Interstate 95 in Virginia has left five people dead and dozens injured, prompting an extensive investigation by state and federal authorities.

According to Virginia State Police, the collision occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. Friday near the 146-mile marker on Interstate 95 southbound. Investigators said traffic had begun slowing ahead of a work zone when a charter bus operated by E&P Travel, traveling from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, failed to reduce speed and struck a Chevrolet Suburban.

The impact triggered a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles. Authorities reported that the Suburban was pushed into an Acura SUV, while several additional vehicles became involved before the bus ultimately came to a stop.

The charter bus was carrying approximately 34 passengers at the time of the crash.

Officials confirmed that five people lost their lives in the devastating collision, including two children. Four of the victims were members of the same family traveling in the Acura SUV: a 45-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy from Greenfield, Massachusetts. Investigators said the Acura caught fire following the impact.

The fifth victim was a 25-year-old woman from Worcester, Massachusetts, who was traveling in the Chevrolet Suburban.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported approximately 44 individuals to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities reported that three people suffered critical injuries.

The driver of the charter bus, identified as 48-year-old Jing S. Dong of Staten Island, New York, was also injured. Virginia State Police stated that charges are pending as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Federal officials have joined the investigation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said preliminary information indicates the driver obtained a commercial driver’s license in New York in 2024 and may have faced language-related concerns. Federal investigators are reviewing licensing records, training documentation, and the driver’s qualifications as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed gratitude to first responders, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and medical teams who worked throughout the night at the crash scene.

The fatal collision has left multiple communities mourning as families grapple with unimaginable loss. Authorities continue to investigate what led to the crash and whether additional safety or regulatory issues contributed to the tragedy.

As the investigation moves forward, officials have pledged to provide further updates as additional information becomes available.

The thoughts of many remain with the victims, the injured, and their families during this difficult time.