Bus driver identified in deadly Stafford crash that killed 5, hurt 44

STAFFORD, Va. (DC News Now) — The bus driver has been identified in the crash that killed five people and left 44 others hospitalized after crashing into multiple vehicles along Interstate 95 in Stafford County early Thursday, authorities said. Emergency crews responded to the crash near mile marker 146 shortly after 2:30 a.m. Police said the charter bus, driven by Jing Dong, struck a Chevrolet Suburban. The Suburban struck an Acura, and the charter bus hit several other cars. The driver of the Suburban, a 25-year-old woman, was killed in the crash. Authorities said four occupants of the Acura also died, including a 45-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy. The charter bus was traveling from New York to Charlotte, police said. All 34 passengers on board were taken to hospitals. Three suffered critical injuries. Residents and drivers in the area expressed shock over the deadly crash. “Well, when I first heard about it, I felt it was real crazy. I just, you know, I feel for those people's [families] and what they're going through right now. And. Yeah, it was just devastating,” said Sherman Towles. “That’s terrible. And like, people go fast on 95 all the time. It’s crazy. It’s ridiculous. But yeah, especially like during work zones, like. And they definitely got to slow down,” said Michael Ross. “I pray that they all get better. Like they, you know, come better soon and get out healthy,” said Jenea Hamdan. Officers say the charter bus was from E & P Travel. A representative spoke with a DC News Now sister station, WJZY, saying the company is "currently cooperating" with authorities. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is assisting with the investigation. In a post to X, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on the incident, stating, "Local police confirm the driver of this motorcoach — a man from China who became a U.S. citizen — doesn’t speak English. He received his commercial driver's license from New York State in 2024. Unacceptable. This is exactly why we are holding states accountable, enforcing the rules of the road, and cracking down on drivers who can’t speak English. If you can’t be properly trained, read our road signs, or communicate with law enforcement, you have no business driving a bus. Our investigators are reviewing New York licensing records, training documentation, and the driver's history. Any company, trainer, or school that contributed to putting an unqualified driver on the road will face intense scrutiny. We’ll share more updates soon. My prayers are with the loved ones of the innocent lives lost and those who were hurt in this horrific crime." Virginia State Police said the crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.