The devastating Interstate 95 crash in Virginia has left a Massachusetts community mourning after a family of four from Greenfield was among the five people killed when a charter bus slammed into multiple vehicles early Friday morning. Investigators continue working to determine exactly what led to the deadly collision, which also injured dozens of other travelers.
Authorities identified the victims from Greenfield as 45-year-old Dmitri Doncev, his wife Ecterina Doncev, 44, and their children, 13-year-old Emily Doncev and 7-year-old Mark Doncev. The family was traveling through Virginia on their way to a wedding in South Carolina when tragedy struck.
According to investigators, the family was riding in an Acura SUV when a charter bus traveling southbound on Interstate 95 failed to slow down as traffic approached a highway work zone in Stafford County. The bus crashed into several vehicles, triggering a catastrophic chain-reaction collision.
The Acura carrying the Doncev family was among the vehicles struck. Authorities said the SUV caught fire after the impact, killing all four family members. The crash also claimed the life of 25-year-old Priscilla Mafalda of Worcester, who was traveling in a separate SUV involved in the collision.
Family members described the Doncevs as devoted members of their Russian Baptist church community. Relatives said they were making the trip to celebrate a family wedding, turning what should have been a joyful occasion into an unimaginable tragedy.
In a statement shared with local media, grieving relatives said the loss has devastated family members, friends, church members, coworkers, classmates, and everyone who knew them. Loved ones remembered the family for their kindness, faith, perseverance, and love, saying their legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives they touched.
The deaths have deeply impacted the Greenfield community. Providence Christian Academy, where Emily and Mark attended school, released a statement describing the Doncev family as cherished members of the school community and expressing sorrow over the loss.
Virginia DeSorgher, mayor of Greenfield, also offered condolences, saying the entire community stands alongside the victims’ loved ones during an extraordinarily painful time. She noted that the town is united in mourning and supporting those affected by the tragedy.
Survivors of the crash described scenes of chaos and devastation immediately after the collision. Passenger Wayne Tobin recalled seeing injured travelers, blood-covered passengers, and widespread panic inside the bus following the impact.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported approximately 44 people to nearby hospitals. Authorities said several victims suffered serious injuries, while others were treated for less severe wounds.
The driver of the charter bus was identified by the Virginia State Police as 48-year-old Jing S. Dong of Staten Island. Investigators allege the bus failed to slow for traffic in the work zone before crashing into multiple vehicles.
Dong has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. He was also injured in the crash.
Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board has joined the investigation to determine what factors contributed to the collision. Investigators are reviewing the driver’s actions, vehicle data, work schedules, possible fatigue issues, and other circumstances leading up to the crash.
Adding to the public scrutiny, Sean Duffy stated that Dong is an American citizen originally from China who obtained his commercial driver’s license in New York approximately two years ago.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, the focus remains on understanding how the crash occurred and ensuring accountability. For the families affected, however, the tragedy has already left an irreplaceable loss, particularly in Greenfield, where friends, neighbors, and church members are mourning a family remembered for their faith, generosity, and devotion to one another.
