Bus driver charged in Virginia crash that killed five people
Photo, provided by the Virginia state police, shows the scene of a fatal accident on Interstate 95 in near Quantico, Virginia, on Friday. Photograph: Virginia State Police/AP View image in fullscreen Photo, provided by the Virginia state police, shows the scene of a fatal accident on Interstate 95 in near Quantico, Virginia, on Friday. Photograph: Virginia State Police/AP Bus driver charged in Virginia crash that killed five people Driver faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter in Friday crash that killed five and injured more than 40 others The driver of a motor coach bus that killed five people and injured more than 40 others after crashing in Virginia on Friday morning has been criminally charged. Jing S Dong, 48, faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter, with additional charges likely, according to Virginia state police. Meanwhile, as it carries out a federal investigation into the wreck, the National Transportation Safety Board said speed, speed, fatigue and language proficiency are being investigated as factors in the particularly large accident. The driver, a US citizen from China, does not speak English, according to investigators. Officials also said there had evidently been only little braking before the crash due to its speed and severity. Dong – of Staten Island, New York – crashed into vehicles that slowed down upon approaching a work zone on interstate 95 in Stafford county about 2.35am on Friday. Among those killed were a family of four from Massachusetts who were on their way to a wedding in South Carolina with a carload of homemade desserts for the event. The wedding was going forward on Sunday, though guests would also simultaneously mourn the loss of Dmitri and Ecaterina Doncev and their two children, Emily and Mark, a relative said on Saturday. The family emigrated from Moldova in 2008 and settled in Greenfield, Massachusetts . Dmitri was a nurse at Holyoke medical center. Ecaterina was a hairstylist who spent several days making desserts for the wedding. The family was driving together – but in separate vehicles – with Dmitri’s brother Iuri. “At some point, they ended up getting separated,” relative Carolina Bublik said to the Associated Press . “Dmitri said, ‘You go ahead. I’ll catch up later.’ It was a big shock when Iuri arrived at the house. Dmitri should have arrived around the same time. When his car did not show up, and he wasn’t picking up the phone – that’s when the family started panicking.” A GoFundMe campaign set up for the family’s funeral expenses by Sunday had exceeded its fundraising goal of $50,000. The campaign’s page said the Doncevs “became a cherished part of their community and touched countless lives” through their displays of “faith, kindness, and dedication to others”. Virginia state police said the E&P Travel bus that Dong was driving from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, failed to slow when other traffic did around the work zone at the center of the case. The bus hit a Chevrolet
Its deeply troubling when our highways become deadly. We must hold those responsible accountable while also working to prevent such tragedies through better safety measures and driver education. Lets remember the victims and push for a safer future on our roads. #RoadSafety #MournWithCare
Looks like well need a new app for lane splitting: Keep Left or Die Tryin!
Virginia needs a new app for lane splitting: Keep Left or Die Tryin!
How can we ensure that tragedies like this dont happen again, and whats the real responsibility of the state and local authorities in preventing such deadly events on our highways?
The tragic loss of life in the Virginia bus crash is a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible transportation. While I understand the legal consequences for the driver involved, its crucial that we also focus on the systemic issues that may have contributed to such a devastating incident. Ensuring that bus drivers are adequately trained and that vehicles are maintained to safety standards can help prevent future tragedies and protect all road users.
Curious: How do we balance road safety with lane-splitting freedom? Any ideas for a new app?
Virginia needs a new app for lane splitting: Keep Left or Die Tryin! #ContrarianThoughts #VirginiaCrash
Absolutely, its a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety. Holding drivers accountable is crucial, but lets also push for stricter regulations and more comprehensive training to prevent future tragedies. We owe it to the victims and their families to do everything we can to make our roads safer for all. #RoadSafety #DriverResponsibility
Tragic, but lets also consider the role of responsible transportation. If private vehicles had the same safety standards, wed likely see fewer accidents. Maybe its time for a rethink on how we fund and regulate public transit?
Tragic loss, but lets use this as a call to action for safer roads. More rigorous training and stricter regulations could prevent future tragedies. What can we do to strengthen safety protocols on our highways?