WASHINGTON (7News) — A fatal crash involving a bus in Stafford County Friday morning has heightened scrutiny of how commercial driver's licenses (CDL) are issued in the U.S.
The driver, identified as 48-year-old Jing Dong, is a naturalized U.S. citizen from China who obtained his CDL in New York. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Dong does not speak English. Witnesses reported that the incident involved multiple vehicles, resulting in significant injuries and fatalities.
Authorities confirmed that five individuals, including two children, were killed, and at least 44 others sustained injuries in the collision on Interstate 95. Emergency responders from local agencies were dispatched to the scene, and lane closures are expected as the investigation continues.
In the wake of the crash, Duffy expressed concerns about driver qualifications, stating, “If you can't be properly trained, read our road signs, or communicate with law enforcement, you have no business driving a bus.”
Legislative efforts are underway to enhance CDL regulations. A recent House Committee on Transportation approved a bill aimed at increasing reporting requirements and mandating English proficiency for CDL applicants.
This incident follows a high-profile case in Florida involving Harjjinder Singh, who allegedly caused a crash that killed three people due to poor English comprehension. Singh had received licenses from two states despite questions regarding his immigration status. The Supreme Court has declined to review a lawsuit concerning the licensing practices of those states.
Towing operations are ongoing, and the scene remains active as authorities continue their investigation. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.