In a tragic incident early Friday morning, a bus traveling on Interstate 95 near Quantico, Virginia, failed to slow down for traffic and collided with six vehicles, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuring 44 others, according to the Virginia State Police.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred around 2:35 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-95, where traffic was slowing due to a work zone ahead. The victims, who ranged in age from 7 to 45, were not on the bus. Four of the deceased were in the same vehicle, including two children, while the fifth victim was in another vehicle.
Emergency response was swift, with multiple fire and rescue departments, including units from the Quantico Marine Corps Base, arriving at the scene. They encountered a devastating scene with multiple vehicles on fire and numerous injured occupants. Crews worked extensively to extricate trapped victims and suppress vehicle fires.
Investigation and Response
The bus, operated by North Carolina-based E&P Travel, was en route from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, with 34 passengers on board. The driver, Jing S. Dong, 48, from Staten Island, New York, was among those injured. Authorities are investigating Dong’s actions prior to the crash, and charges are pending.
Virginia State Police are conducting an investigation, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to conduct a safety investigation. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy mentioned that the department is reviewing Dong’s training and licensing records.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her condolences, stating, “My heart is with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and I am praying for a quick recovery for those injured.”
Medical Response
The injured were transported to various hospitals in the area. Mary Washington Healthcare reported that 19 patients were received, with one in critical condition and others in serious to fair condition. Stafford Hospital treated and discharged 12 patients, while Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center treated and released 15 patients.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of life and prays for the recovery of those injured in this tragic accident.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
