STAFFORD COUNTY, Virginia — Five people were killed and more than 40 others injured after a motorcoach crashed into vehicles slowed for a highway work zone on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia, authorities said.
The crash happened early Friday near Quantico, when a bus operated by E&P Travel Inc. struck a line of slowed traffic, triggering a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles. The bus was travelling from New York to Charlotte, North Carolina, when it hit a Chevrolet Suburban, which then struck an Acura carrying a Massachusetts family.
Among the dead were Dmitri and Ecaterina Doncev and their two children, Emily and Mark, who were travelling to a family wedding. A fifth victim, 25-year-old Priscilla Mafalda of Worcester, Massachusetts, was also killed.
Authorities said the bus driver, Jing S. Dong, 48, of Staten Island, New York, has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. Officials said preliminary evidence suggests speed may have played a role, with the bus reportedly failing to slow adequately before hitting traffic near the work zone.
More than 40 people were injured, though most were later discharged from hospital. At least one person was initially reported in critical condition.
The crash has renewed scrutiny of motorcoach safety, work-zone traffic risks and driver oversight. Investigators are expected to review vehicle data, braking evidence, road conditions, driver qualifications and company safety records.
For the families of the victims, the crash turned a journey to a wedding into tragedy. Relatives and community members in Massachusetts have begun mourning the Doncev family, described by friends as deeply involved in their church and community.
