STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (7News) — A bus driver involved in a fatal chain reaction crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County has been charged with additional offenses.
Jing Sheng Dong, 48, of Staten Island, New York, now faces three counts of involuntary manslaughter and a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving, bringing his total involuntary manslaughter counts to five. The incident occurred early Friday morning, resulting in five fatalities, including two children, and injuring dozens.
According to Virginia State Police, Dong was driving a coach charter bus traveling southbound on Route 3 near Charles Hall Road around 1:20 a.m. when he rear-ended a Chevrolet Suburban, triggering a multi-vehicle collision. Approximately 44 individuals were transported to hospitals, three of whom are in critical condition.
Dong was previously cited by Maryland State Police for driving 72 miles per hour in a 50 mph zone. He is scheduled to appear in court regarding this violation on Tuesday in Annapolis.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, focusing on driver actions, vehicle condition, and possible factors such as fatigue and substance use. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
Mary Washington Healthcare received 19 patients from the crash. As of Monday, most have been discharged, with two remaining hospitalized, one in critical condition.
Dong remains hospitalized and is in the custody of Rappahannock Regional Jail, authorities confirmed.