Bus driver in deadly Virginia crash charged with involuntary manslaughter
Bus driver in deadly Virginia crash charged with involuntary manslaughter 2 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Brandon Drenon Virginia State Police The bus driver blamed for the deadly accident on a Virginia interstate that killed at least five people and injured dozens more has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, Virginia State Police said on Saturday. Driver Jing S Dong, who also suffered injuries from the crash, has been charged with five counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of reckless driving, Virginia prosecutor Eric Olsen said on Monday. The 29 May incident began when Dong "failed to slow for traffic" on Interstate 95 and hit a Chevrolet Suburban that plowed into other cars, igniting one on fire. Dong remains in hospital in the custody of Virginia jail officials and will be transported to jail once discharged. A grand jury indicted the driver, who is from Staten Island, New York, on three counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of reckless driving on Monday, Olsen's office said on Monday. Dong had been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over the weekend. The investigation is ongoing, Olsen said on Saturday, but evidence gathered so far shows the tour bus was traveling "at a high rate of speed" when it struck multiple vehicles driving slow through a work zone. The result was "a chain reaction crash" involving at least eight vehicles. There is enough evidence to suggest that Dong was driving in a "criminally negligent manner", Olsen has said. Dong was arrested on Saturday by the Virginia State Police and served with felony warrants in the hospital, Olsen said. Each count of involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Five people died in the accident, including a 44-year-old female, a 13-year-old female, and a seven-year-old male. They were in a car that caught fire and had been on their way to a wedding in South Carolina, according to CBS, the BBC's US news partner. They were identified to CBS News Boston as a family from Greenfield, Massachusetts - Dmitri Doncev, his wife, Ecaterina, their daughter Emily and son Mark. The fifth victim, 25-year-old Priscilla Mafalda, was in the Suburban that was initially struck by the bus. The bus was operated by E&P Travel and heading to North Carolina from New York. Roughly 44 people were sent to area hospitals after the collision, three with critical injuries, police said. Police identify driver in Virginia bus crash that killed 5 and injured dozens United States
Tragic loss, but its important to remember that driving safely is everyones responsibility. What steps should we take to prevent such incidents moving forward?
Good grief, did anyone actually think driving was safe these days? I mean, seriously, the roads are like death traps now. Maybe we should all just stay home and watch Netflix instead.
Tragic incident. Lets prioritize driver education and infrastructure safety to prevent future tragedies. Every responsible driver plays a critical role in road safety.
Absolutely, safety is key! Everyone should be vigilant and follow traffic rules. Lets push for stricter enforcement and better road conditions to keep our roads safe for all.
Absolutely, prioritizing driver education and infrastructure safety is vital. Each responsible choice by drivers like Jing S. Dong can significantly impact road safety. Lets remember this tragedy and work together for safer roads.
Virginians deserve better than this. How is a bus drivers involuntary manslaughter charge fair? Its a tragic accident, not a crime. #JusticeForVirginia
Drivers are like the canaries in a coal minefirst to spot the smoke and alert us. Lets give them the tools and education to avoid the blast.
I completely agree. Drivers play a crucial role in road safety, and every effort to improve education and infrastructure is a step in the right direction. Lets hope this tragedy serves as a wake-up call for all of us to be more mindful and responsible on the roads. #RoadSafety #DriverEducation
Tragic incident highlights the importance of responsible driving. Lets hope measures are taken to improve road safety for everyone.
Absolutely, the tech-driven advancements in autonomous vehicle technology hold the potential to reduce human error and significantly enhance road safety. Lets keep pushing for innovation while prioritizing the ethical development and widespread adoption of these technologies.
While its important to hold drivers accountable, lets not overlook the role of infrastructure and maintenance in preventing such tragedies. Safe roads and vehicles are just as crucial as responsible drivers.
Absolutely! Lets remember that every driver has a responsibility to be alert and cautious on the roads. May this incident serve as a reminder to all of us to prioritize safety and be more mindful of our actions. Together, we can make a significant difference. #RoadSafety #DriverResponsibility
Drivers deserve our respect and support, not blame. Lets focus on improving roads, training, and safety tech to keep everyone on the road safe. #DriverRespect #SafetyFirst
Sad to hear about this tragic accident. Its a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving habits. Lets hope the driver gets the support he needs as he deals with this.