Georgia School Bus Carrying Football Team Overturns, Sending 22 Students to Hospital
A 74-year-old driver lost control of the bus on State Route 138, striking another vehicle before flipping.
A school bus transporting the Salem High School football team in Conyers, Georgia, overturned on State Route 138 late Friday night, resulting in 22 students being taken to the hospital.
The incident occurred around 10:48 p.m. when the bus driver, identified as Walter Hackett, 74, reportedly lost control while exiting Interstate 20 eastbound and attempting a right turn onto State Route 138. According to preliminary findings from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the bus traveled across multiple lanes of State Route 138 before colliding with a Kia Soul driven by 35-year-old Calvin Harling. Harling's vehicle spun and came to rest in a northbound lane.
The school bus continued off the roadway, onto the east shoulder, and began to overturn, eventually coming to rest on its passenger side after nearly a full rotation. The GSP stated that the bus was carrying 17 football players, seven trainers, two coaches, and one driver.
Authorities confirmed that all students on the bus were accounted for. Some were transported by ambulance, while others were taken to medical facilities by their parents. At least one student was airlifted via Life Flight. Hackett and Harling were also transported for medical treatment, though details about their conditions were not immediately released. Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Johnson reported on Saturday morning that 22 students and three adults required medical attention. She expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities and that many individuals had already been treated and released.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital was placed on standby for a potential mass casualty event. The hospital treated and released at least three patients. The crash prompted a significant emergency response, with firefighters and ambulances on the scene. Images of the aftermath showed considerable damage to the bus, including a collapsed roof, a smashed front, and shattered windows.
Salem High School had played an away football game against Greater Atlanta Christian School earlier that evening. The GSP is actively investigating the accident, which led to the temporary closure of Georgia State Route 138.