A yellow school bus transporting a high school football team flipped over late Friday night in Georgia after the elderly driver lost control, resulting in injuries to 25 individuals, one of whom is seriously hurt.
The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. at the intersection of Georgia State Route 138 and Interstate 20 in Rockdale County as the bus was bringing players and staff from Salem High School back home following an away game, according to reports from the Georgia State Patrol.
Emergency services rushed 22 students and three adults to various hospitals for treatment, with one student being airlifted from the scene, as confirmed by Rockdale County Public Schools on their website.
As of Saturday, only one student remains in the hospital, the district stated.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted. We appreciate the efforts of first responders, medical professionals, and the staff from Salem and RCPS who attended to our students and adults,” Rockdale County Public Schools expressed.
“To safeguard the privacy of our students and their families, the district will not disclose names or further medical details,” they added.
Authorities believe the bus driver, who is 74 years old, lost control while attempting to make a turn onto SR 138 after exiting the I-20 highway eastbound.
The bus, which had 27 passengers, skidded across both lanes of the highway before colliding with a Kia Soul driven by a 35-year-old man, eventually rolling onto its side.
Both drivers, including those from the bus and the Kia Soul, were among those taken to the hospital.
“We are incredibly thankful that there were no fatalities, and that many of those injured have been treated and released,” stated Rockdale County Superintendent Stephanie Johnson.
“As our Salem family begins to heal, we will continue to provide support and we ask the community to keep everyone involved in their thoughts as they recover,” she said.
Johnson also mentioned that “the cause of the accident is still under investigation.”
The football team from Salem High School was returning home from an away game against Greater Atlanta Christian School.
“We are sending our prayers for healing to those injured and for peace and comfort to everyone affected,” stated Scott Harsh, president of Greater Atlanta Christian School, in an email sent to Salem High School and the district.
“Having just hosted your team on our campus last night, we want to extend our care and support during this challenging period,” Harsh added.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation—which was created to assist students and families in the aftermath of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting—has also announced plans to offer support and mental health resources to the passengers involved in the incident.
