STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — A devastating multi-vehicle crash involving a charter bus on Interstate 95 in Stafford County left five people dead and dozens injured early Friday morning, marking one of the region’s deadliest highway accidents in recent years.
According to Virginia State Police, the crash occurred around 2:35 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-95 near mile marker 146, just south of Quantico. Investigators say traffic had slowed ahead of a work zone when a charter bus failed to reduce speed and slammed into six vehicles.
Authorities confirmed that all five fatalities were occupants of the vehicles struck by the bus. At least 44 people were transported to area hospitals, including several victims who remained in critical condition Friday afternoon.
Emergency responders from multiple jurisdictions rushed to the scene after the crash was declared a mass casualty incident. Several patients were treated at facilities operated by Mary Washington Healthcare, including trauma patients transported to the emergency department in Fredericksburg.
The bus involved in the collision was operated by E&P Travel, a North Carolina-based carrier. Officials said the vehicle was traveling from New York City to Charlotte when the crash occurred. The driver was among those injured and remains under investigation. Charges are pending as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched investigators to Stafford County to assist in determining the cause of the crash. Federal officials are also reviewing the driver’s qualifications and licensing records as part of the ongoing investigation.
The accident forced the closure of all southbound lanes of I-95 for several hours, causing significant traffic backups throughout Stafford County and affecting commuters across the Fredericksburg region. Traffic was diverted to U.S. Route 1 while crews worked to clear the wreckage and assist victims.
Local officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised first responders for their rapid response to the tragic incident.
As investigators continue their work, authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Virginia State Police.
FXBGnews will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the victims, investigation findings, and any potential charges.
