WASHINGTON (7News) — A deadly crash involving a bus on I-95 in Stafford County occurred Friday morning, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Authorities confirmed that five individuals died, including two children, and at least 44 others sustained injuries when the bus collided with several vehicles in the southbound lanes.
The bus driver, identified as 48-year-old Jing Dong, a naturalized U.S. citizen from China, reportedly does not speak English. He received his Commercial Driver's License from New York State.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene to provide medical aid, and the southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for the investigation, leading to significant traffic delays.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on social media that the incident highlights the need for stricter regulations on Commercial Driver's Licenses, particularly regarding language proficiency.
In response to recent accidents involving drivers who cannot communicate in English, lawmakers are advocating for legislation that would prohibit undocumented immigrants from obtaining a CDL. This proposal, known as Delilah's Law, comes in the wake of prior incidents linked to illegal immigration.
A House Committee on Transportation is currently reviewing measures aimed at tightening CDL requirements and ensuring English proficiency for all commercial drivers.
Last year, a separate incident in Florida involving an illegal U-turn by a CDL holder raised concerns about enforcement of licensing standards, prompting calls for improvements in state compliance with federal regulations.