VIENNA, Va. - Virginia State Police have charged a charter bus driver in connection with a chain-reaction crash that injured 37 people and shut down westbound Interstate 66 for three and a-half hours during Friday's holiday weekend getaway rush.

The crash happened about 4:50 p.m. just before the Nutley Street exit on westbound I-66.  Three charter buses carrying students and staff from a Harrisonburg, Va., elementary school were on their way back home after a visit to the Smithsonian when the last of the buses failed to brake in time and rear-ended the bus in front of it, Virginia State Police said. The impact forced the second bus to hit an SUV, which then rear-ended the bus in front of it, investigators said.

"It was just traumatizing, especially for the kids," said Nancy Wayland, a parent. 

Thirty-seven students and school personnel were treated for minor injuries at Inova Fairfax and Inova Fair Oaks hospitals, according to the VSP. Most of the children suffered bumps and bruises.

"I scratched up my chin and I got a loose tooth," said Matthew Mozingo, a student. 

The SUV driver and passenger were uninjured in the crash.

Police have charged the driver of the last bus, Clinton E. Shilling, of Staunton, Va., with following too closely. Investigators say the driver told them he lost focus for a split second.

"His statement was that he was distracted by a roadside incident," said Virginia State Police Lt. Eric Reily.

The buses are owned by Quick-Livick, Inc., in Staunton.

The uninjured students and staff were taken to the Fairfax County (web | news) Fire Academy, where arrangements were made to transport them home.

"We're all a little shaken up, but we're in good spirits now, knowing we're going home," said Wayland.

The crash snarled traffic on westbound I-66 just as the holiday weekend getaway began. All lanes except the shoulder were closed for more than three and a half hours, creating a 12-mile backup. All lanes reopened by 8:30 p.m.

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