What was supposed to be a peaceful getaway turned into a tragedy that left families across Massachusetts grieving. Priscilla Ramos Mafalda, a 25-year-old Worcester resident remembered by friends as kind, hardworking, and full of life, died in a devastating crash along Interstate 95 in Virginia.
The fatal collision happened during the early morning hours on the busy southbound stretch of I-95 in Stafford County near Quantico. Authorities said traffic had slowed because of an approaching work zone when a charter bus traveling from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, failed to slow down and slammed into several vehicles.
Investigators said the bus first struck a Chevrolet Suburban carrying Priscilla Ramos Mafalda. The force of the impact pushed the SUV into other vehicles, creating a violent chain-reaction crash involving multiple cars. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a major accident, but Priscilla was pronounced dead as a result of her injuries.
The crash also claimed the lives of four members of a Massachusetts family who were traveling in another vehicle. Dozens of other people were injured and transported to nearby hospitals. The scene stretched across the highway as first responders worked through the wreckage and assisted survivors.
Friends say Priscilla had recently left Massachusetts for a trip to Florida and was looking forward to time away from work. Those who knew her described her as someone who brought warmth wherever she went. Messages of grief quickly spread across social media as loved ones struggled to process the sudden loss.
A fundraising effort was later organized by relatives and friends to help support her family. Reports indicated that plans were being made to return her remains to Brazil, where relatives hoped to honor her memory and lay her to rest. Friends remembered her as one of the most dedicated and caring people they had ever met.
Virginia State Police identified Jing S. Dong, a 48-year-old charter bus driver from Staten Island, New York, as the driver involved in the crash. Authorities said he has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, while additional charges remain possible as investigators continue reviewing evidence connected to the collision.
Officials said the investigation remains active. Federal transportation authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the actions leading up to the collision and other factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. Court proceedings are expected to determine the full legal outcome of the case.
For now, those closest to Priscilla Ramos Mafalda are choosing to focus on her life rather than the circumstances of her death. In Worcester and beyond, friends continue sharing memories of a young woman whose future was suddenly taken away on a highway hundreds of miles from home.
