Georgia School Bus Carrying Football Team Overturns on Highway
Hospitals brace for potential mass casualty event following late-night crash.
Hospitals in the Atlanta area are preparing for a potential mass casualty event after a school bus carrying members of the Salem High School football team overturned on a busy highway late Friday night. The bus, with approximately 20 passengers, including 17 football players, seven trainers, two coaches, and the driver, flipped on Highway 138 and Old Salem Road in Rockdale County, Georgia.
The crash occurred just before 11 p.m. EST, and the extent of injuries is unknown. Multiple local news outlets reported that two medical helicopters were requested to the scene. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M Blank Hospital has been notified and is on standby. Videos from the scene showed a significant emergency response with firefighters and ambulances.
The bus sustained extensive damage, with one side of the roof collapsing. The front of the bus appeared smashed in, and windows were broken. First responders worked to upright the bus and remained on scene into the early morning hours Saturday. Officials were reportedly setting up a reunification site for students and their families at a nearby parking lot.
The Georgia State Route 138 was shut down due to the incident, and drivers were advised to find alternative routes. Salem High School had played an away game against Greater Atlanta Christian in Norcross on Friday evening. The two schools are located approximately 50 minutes apart within the greater Atlanta area.
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