Language Barrier at Issue in Fatal I-95 Motor Coach Crash
Key Details A motor coach driver involved in a catastrophic crash on I-95 in Stafford County, Virginia, lacked English proficiency, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The crash occurred at 2:35 a.m. on May 29, 2026, when driver Jing Dong, 48, failed to slow for traffic in a work zone and struck six vehicles. Five people died in the collision, including a 13-year-old girl and 7-year-old boy. Forty-four others were hospitalized with various injuries. Why It Matters Dong received his CDL from New York State in 2024 despite not speaking English, raising serious questions about state licensing standards. Duffy stated flatly: "If you can't be properly trained, read our road signs, or communicate with law enforcement, you have no business driving a bus." What's Next The FMCSA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. Duffy pledged to review New York's licensing records, training documentation, and Dong's driving history. Any company, trainer, or school that placed an unqualified driver on the road will face intense scrutiny, the Secretary warned.