New details have emerged about the driver responsible for a devastating chain-reaction bus crash on a Virginia interstate that killed a family of four and another woman. Authorities identified the driver as Jing S Dong, 48, a Chinese immigrant and US citizen from Staten Island who does not speak English.
Crash Details and Victims
The crash occurred around 2:35 am Friday on Interstate 95 near Quantico, Virginia. Dong's bus plowed into at least six vehicles, killing Dmitri Doncev, 45, his wife Ecaterina Doncev, 44, and their children Emily, 14, and Mark, 7, who were traveling to a wedding in South Carolina. A 25-year-old Massachusetts woman was also killed. Dozens were injured, with 44 taken to hospitals, three in critical condition.
Driver's Background and Licensing
Dong obtained his commercial driver's license from New York State in 2024. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that Dong is a Chinese immigrant and US citizen but cannot speak English. Duffy condemned the situation, saying, '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.'
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers to be proficient enough in English to understand road signs, but not fluent. However, Duffy signed an order earlier this month strengthening English-language enforcement for commercial truck operators, allowing out-of-service orders for non-compliance.
Bus Company and Investigation
The bus was operated by E&P Travel Inc, based in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, incorporated in November 2023 by Shuo Liu. The FMCSA listed its safety rating as 'satisfactory' with one prior injury accident. Authorities said charges are pending against Dong. The investigation is ongoing, with the Department of Transportation reviewing New York licensing records and Dong's driver history.
Victim Family Details
The Doncev family immigrated to the US in 2008 and settled in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Dmitri was a registered nurse, Emily was a straight-A student, and Mark was born at 26 weeks. They were regular attendees at Greenfield Russian Baptist Church. A GoFundMe has been launched for funeral expenses.
Passenger Accounts
Passenger Wayne Tobin, en route to his mother's funeral, described the scene: 'It was horrible. It was just like blood everywhere.' Another passenger, Judy, recalled waking to screaming and 'glass flying everywhere.' Emergency responders described it as one of the most tragic incidents they had seen.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed condolences and thanked responders, stating, 'My heart is with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.'
