A charter bus driver from Staten Island, New York, has been charged following a tragic crash in Virginia that resulted in the deaths of five individuals. Jing S. Dong, a naturalized citizen from China, received his commercial driver’s license in 2024. He is facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter, with additional charges pending, according to the Virginia State Police.
The accident occurred when Dong reportedly collided with an SUV while driving a bus for E&P Travel on Interstate 95 in Stafford County. The crash, which happened around 2:35 a.m. on a Friday, involved multiple vehicles after the initial impact.
A family from Greenfield, Massachusetts, tragically lost their lives in the crash. Dmitri Doncev, 45, his wife Ecterina, 44, their 13-year-old daughter, Emily, and 7-year-old son, Mark, died when their vehicle caught fire following the collision. A woman in the SUV directly in front of the bus, identified as Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, from Worcester, Massachusetts, was also killed.
The crash investigation revealed that traffic was slowing due to a work zone when the bus, en route from New York City to Charlotte, N.C., failed to slow down and hit a Chevrolet Suburban. This impact forced the Suburban into an Acura SUV and other vehicles, with the bus striking several more cars as well. As a result, many individuals required medical attention and were taken to hospitals.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that Dong’s lack of English proficiency breaches federal safety regulations, which require bus drivers to communicate effectively for safety purposes. Duffy expressed strong disapproval on social media, emphasizing the importance of enforcing language requirements for drivers.
The Transportation Department is conducting an investigation into the licensing processes in New York, alongside examining the driver’s training documentation and driving history. Entities responsible for allowing an unqualified driver on the road will face thorough examination.
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