STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (7News) — The bus driver involved in a deadly chain reaction crash on Interstate 95 has been charged with additional offenses.
Jing Sheng Dong, 48, of Staten Island, New York, now faces three new counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of reckless driving, following the crash that occurred on Friday, which resulted in five fatalities and injuries to dozens.
This brings his total charges to five counts of involuntary manslaughter. He has a pending trial for a previous traffic citation from Maryland, issued in March for speeding at 72 mph in a 50 mph zone.
According to the Virginia State Police (VSP), Dong was driving a coach charter bus southbound on Route 3 near Charles Hall Road around 1:20 a.m. when he struck several vehicles while traffic was slowing for a work zone.
The crash involved a Chevrolet Suburban and an Acura SUV, among other vehicles. Five individuals, including two children, lost their lives, while about 44 others were transported to hospitals. Three of the injured are in critical condition.
Mary Washington Healthcare reported that of the 19 patients admitted from the incident, all but three have been discharged. One patient's condition has improved, while two remain hospitalized—one in critical and one in serious condition.
Dong remains hospitalized but is in the custody of Rappahannock Regional Jail. Authorities confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board is continuing its investigation, which is expected to focus on the driver's actions, vehicle condition, and other factors.
Preliminary findings suggest that the bus struck the rear of a slowing traffic queue, initiating the multi-vehicle collision.
Video evidence and witness statements are being sought as part of the ongoing investigation. Dong's trial for the traffic citation is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday in Annapolis.