STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — A bus driver pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple charges in connection with a fatal crash on Interstate 95 that resulted in five deaths.
Jing Sheng Dong, 48, of Staten Island, New York, faces five counts of involuntary manslaughter related to the May 29 incident. Authorities reported that Dong, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, was trapped in the bus during the crash.
According to his attorney, Tom Walsh, the trial will address whether the events constituted criminal conduct. “Accidents happen and it doesn't mean it rises to a criminal level,” he stated.
The crash occurred in the early morning as Dong's bus approached a work zone on I-95 southbound, colliding with several vehicles, including a family car with two adults and two children, all of whom were killed. A fifth victim, identified as Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, of Worcester, also died. Relatives identified the Doncev family victims, who were traveling to a wedding in South Carolina.
Dong faces an additional misdemeanor count for reckless driving and has a history of speeding violations, including a conviction in Virginia.
The National Transportation Safety Board's investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected within 12 to 24 months. Dong's trial is set for October.