A devastating highway accident in Virginia left five people dead, including two children, and dozens more injured after a passenger bus slammed into vehicles slowing near a construction zone.
The tragedy unfolded in the early morning hours of May 29, 2026, along Interstate 95 in Stafford County, approximately 45 miles south of Washington, D.C.
What began as an ordinary overnight journey quickly turned into a catastrophic chain-reaction collision involving a commercial passenger bus and six other vehicles.
Authorities reported that five people lost their lives and 44 people were transported to hospitals, including several who initially suffered critical injuries.
Among the victims was a Massachusetts family of four traveling to a wedding — a journey that ended in unimaginable tragedy.
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What Happened on Interstate 95?
According to Virginia State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-95, near mile marker 146 and the Quantico area.
Traffic had begun slowing as motorists approached an upcoming highway work zone.
Investigators said a commercial passenger bus traveling toward the slower traffic failed to reduce its speed sufficiently.
The bus struck a Chevrolet Suburban, setting off a chain reaction involving an Acura SUV and other vehicles.
The force of the collisions caused catastrophic damage, leaving emergency responders facing a scene involving multiple vehicles, injured passengers, and fatalities.
The bus was operated by E&P Travel, a North Carolina-based transportation company, and was traveling from New York City toward Charlotte, North Carolina. Approximately 34 people were aboard.
WCIV
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Five Lives Lost, Including Two Children
Among the five people who died were four members of the same family from Greenfield, Massachusetts.
They were identified as Dmitri Doncev, 45, his wife Ecaterina Doncev, 44, and their children, Emily, 13, and Mark, 7.
The family had been traveling to South Carolina to attend a relative’s wedding.
According to relatives, they had brought homemade desserts for the celebration.
Instead of gathering for a joyful family occasion, their loved ones were left mourning the loss of an entire family.
The fifth victim was Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, of Worcester, Massachusetts, who was traveling in the Chevrolet Suburban involved in the crash.
WCVB
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Dozens Injured as Emergency Crews Responded
The collision triggered a major emergency response involving law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and hospital personnel.
A total of 44 people were transported to hospitals following the crash, according to subsequent police reports.
Three people were initially reported in critical condition.
Medical teams worked to assess and treat the injured while emergency personnel secured the damaged vehicles and highway.
Mary Washington Healthcare reported receiving 19 patients at its facilities, with several requiring treatment at its trauma center.
The crash also forced authorities to close southbound lanes of Interstate 95, creating significant traffic delays as investigators examined the scene.
WCIV
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Bus Driver Faces Criminal Charges
The investigation soon focused on the driver of the passenger bus.
Authorities identified him as Jing Sheng Dong, 48, of Staten Island, New York.
Prosecutors initially charged Dong with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Additional charges were subsequently filed, bringing the total to five involuntary manslaughter counts, along with a reckless driving charge.
Investigators alleged that the bus failed to slow appropriately as it approached traffic near the construction zone.
However, criminal charges are allegations, and the driver is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
During a later court hearing, dashcam footage was presented that reportedly showed the bus passing multiple warning signs before the collision.
In September 2026, a judge ruled that the involuntary manslaughter charges could proceed to a grand jury. The defense maintained that the collision was an accident.
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Federal Investigators Examine What Went Wrong
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a federal safety investigation alongside Virginia State Police.
Investigators examined several potential contributing factors, including driver behavior, speed, fatigue, vehicle condition, the bus company’s operations, and the design and warning signs of the highway work zone.
Investigators also sought video recordings and witness statements to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash.
Early findings suggested that the bus approached slower-moving traffic at a high speed, but the complete sequence of events and all contributing factors remained matters for investigation.
WCIV
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A Community Mourns an Entire Family
The deaths of the Doncev family were especially devastating for their community in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
The family’s children attended Providence Christian Academy, which publicly mourned their loss.
Relatives described a family whose lives had revolved around their children, loved ones, and community.
The fact that they had been traveling to a wedding made the tragedy particularly painful.
For the families of all five victims, the crash created a loss that no investigation or criminal proceeding could undo.
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Why Highway Work Zones Can Be Dangerous
Highway construction areas can create sudden changes in traffic patterns.
Drivers may encounter reduced speed limits, narrowed lanes, temporary barriers, or traffic that slows unexpectedly.
These situations can become particularly dangerous when large commercial vehicles are involved.
Buses and trucks generally require more distance to stop than smaller passenger vehicles, particularly at highway speeds.
Nighttime driving adds further challenges, including reduced visibility and possible driver fatigue.
For motorists, the tragedy highlights the importance of slowing down near work zones, maintaining adequate following distance, and paying attention to advance warning signs.
Latest Developments in the Case
As of the latest reporting reviewed through October 2026, the crash remained the subject of legal proceedings.
A September court decision allowed the involuntary manslaughter charges against the bus driver to move forward to a grand jury.
The court had previously denied his release on bond, and prosecutors continued pursuing the case.
The latest available reports reviewed for this article did not establish a final criminal verdict or a completed NTSB investigation.
FOX 5 DC
Final Thoughts
The deadly Interstate 95 crash serves as a painful reminder of how quickly a routine highway journey can turn into a tragedy.
Five people, including two children, lost their lives. Dozens of others were injured, and families across multiple states were left facing the consequences.
As investigators and courts work to determine accountability, the victims and their loved ones remain at the center of this story.
Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
Sources
- Associated Press — Bus Crash in Virginia Kills Five
- ABC News — Deadly Interstate 95 Crash and Driver Charges
- FOX 5 DC — September 2026 Court Developments
- The Washington Post — Family Traveling to Wedding Among Victims
