5 dead, 34 injured in I-95 bus crash; delays expected

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – A deadly crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County early Friday morning left five people dead and dozens injured, according to Virginia State Police.

What we know:

Virginia State Police say the crash happened around 2:35 a.m. on Interstate 95 southbound near mile marker 146 in Stafford County.

Preliminary findings indicate southbound traffic was slowing for an upcoming work zone when a bus failed to slow down and struck six vehicles. 

Five people were killed. One was in the first vehicle the bus hit. According to Virginia State Police, she was a 25-year-old woman from Worcester, Massachusetts. The other four were killed in the chain reaction. Their SUV caught fire after it was hit, killing all four people inside — A 45-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman, a 13-year-old boy and a 7-year-old boy, all from Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Authorities say 34 people were transported to area hospitals. Three of those patients suffered critical injuries.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. 

Mary Washington Healthcare says it received 19 patients from the incident.

Seven patients were taken to the trauma center at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg:

• Four have been treated and are being discharged
• One remains in serious condition
• Two remain in critical condition

Twelve additional patients were transported to Stafford Hospital. Hospital officials say those patients were treated, found to be in overall good condition, and have been discharged.

NTSB investigating

Dig deeper:

The NTSB announced Friday afternoon that they would be conducting an investigation into the crash. They’re working in coordination with Virginia State Police. 

Travel Impacts:

Drivers should expect major delays on:

• Interstate 95 southbound
• Route 1 southbound, which is serving as a primary alternate route

Officials warn that congestion is expected to worsen throughout the morning commute.

Alternate routes:

Through travelers are encouraged to avoid the I-95 corridor if possible and consider alternate north-south routes, including:

• Route 301 east of I-95
• Route 29 west of I-95