Bus plowed into slowing traffic before deadly I-95 crash in Virginia, NTSB says

Federal investigators said a motorcoach plowed into the rear of slowing traffic near a work zone before a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County , Virginia, that killed five people and injured dozens more. The crash happened around 2:35 a.m. May 29 on I-95 southbound near mile marker 146, about two miles south of the Quantico exit. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash alongside Virginia State Police (VSP). A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report could take 12 to 24 months, according to NTSB officials. WATCH FULL NTSB PRESS CONFERENCE RELATED | 5 dead, including 2 kids, 44 hurt after bus hits multiple vehicles on I-95 in Virginia Crash happened near work zone Investigators said traffic was slowing ahead of a work zone when the charter bus hit the back of the traffic queue, triggering a multi-vehicle crash. VSP previously said the bus, operated by E&P Travel, was traveling from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, when it struck a Chevrolet Suburban. The Suburban was then pushed into an Acura SUV and other vehicles. Five people were killed, including two children, and 44 people were taken to nearby hospitals. NTSB investigation underway During Saturday's briefing, NTSB officials said the investigation will focus on several factors, including: Driver actions and history Highway and work zone design Vehicle condition Motor carrier operations Possible fatigue, sleep history, and substance use Investigators are also reviewing the driver's background and seeking video evidence and witness statements from anyone who may have seen the crash or the moments leading up to it. SEE ALSO | What we know about the company and driver involved in deadly Stafford County crash Hospital update Mary Washington Healthcare said it received 19 patients across Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital. As of Saturday at 3 p.m., 15 patients have been released from the hospital. Four remained at the trauma center in Fredericksburg, including one in critical condition, two in serious condition, and one in fair condition. Victims identified Four of the people killed were inside the Acura SUV, according to state police. They included a 45-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy, all from Greenfield, Massachusetts. A fifth victim, a 25-year-old woman from Worcester, Massachusetts, was inside the Suburban, investigators said. Providence Christian Academy in Greenfield said the family killed in the Acura was a "cherished part" of the school community. SEE ALSO | Fatal bus crash driver didn't speak English, New York State gave him commercial license Driver injured, charges pending The bus driver, identified as Jing S. Dong, 48, of Staten Island, was hurt in the crash. State police said charges are pending. Federal records show E&P Travel is based in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and operates four vehicles, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Department of Transportation is reviewing New York licensing records, training documentation, and the driver's history.