At least five people are dead and dozens more are injured after a bus struck six vehicles on Interstate 95 south in Stafford County, Virginia, early Friday morning, according to Virginia State Police.
"The preliminary investigation indicates that traffic was slowing southbound for an upcoming work zone. A bus failed to slow for traffic and struck six vehicles," a Virginia State Police spokesperson said. "There are five fatalities in the vehicles struck by the bus. Thirty-four patients have been reportedly transported to area hospitals, three with critical injuries."
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The bus, which was operated by E&P Travel based in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, was traveling from New York City to Charlotte, an official with the company told WUSA.
Officials with Mary Washington Healthcare said 19 people from the bus crash were treated at their facilities.
Seven were taken to the trauma center at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. Two remain hospitalized in critical condition. Five others were treated and are being discharged.
The 12 people taken to Stafford Hospital were in "overall good condition," according to hospital officials, and have been discharged.
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"All patients will continue to be cared for at both hospitals with meals and personal needs until they can be reunited with their belongings or other transportation can be arranged," officials with Mary Washington Healthcare said.
The crash occurred at about 2:35 a.m. at the 146-mile marker, near the 610-Garrisonville exit, police said. That is roughly halfway between the communities of Aquia and Triangle.
The crash closed I-95 south for just over four hours. All lanes of the interstate had reopened by noon. However, traffic remained backed up roughly 5 miles at last check.
The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.
