A bus crashes into multiple vehicles on Interstate 95, killing at least five people and injuring dozens more virginia early Thursday morning, according to state police.
According to USA Today, the accident occurred at about 2:35 a.m. local time in the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Stafford County when traffic slowed down near the highway construction zone.
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate the bus failed to slow down as it approached a construction zone, leading to a fatal chain-reaction crash involving six vehicles.
Five people died, dozens hospitalized
Virginia State Police said all five people who died were inside the vehicle that was struck by the bus.
After the accident, a total of 34 people were sent to nearby hospitals collisionThree of them are in critical condition, according to officials.
Photos released by authorities showed the front of the bus was severely damaged after it stopped on the side of the road.
Officials have not publicly identified the victims or released information about the bus operator or the passengers on board.
The crash occurred near a work zone on Interstate 95
As the driver approached a highway work zone, the bus allegedly failed to slow down and traffic began to slow in the southbound lanes, CBS News reported, citing investigators.
The vehicle then hit six other vehicles, Virginia State Police said.
The Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed that multiple lanes of Interstate 95 were closed following the crash as emergency crews responded to the scene and investigators were clearing the wreckage.
Also read: Massive bus accident in Nepal kills 19 people and injures dozens of British and Chinese nationals
The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending
Authorities said the investigation fatal collision Still active, criminal charges are pending.
However, police have not yet clarified who may face charges or what specific offenses may be considered. “It’s unclear who will be charged,” CBS News reported, citing law enforcement officials.
Investigators have not announced whether factors such as driver fatigue, speeding, mechanical issues or impairment contributed to the crash.
