Local
Salem football team bus rolls over near I-20, sending 25 to hospitals
A bus carrying Salem High School’s football team overturned Friday night near the I-20 and State Route 138 interchange in Rockdale County. Twenty-two students and three adults were hospitalized, district officials said.
Twenty-five people were taken to hospitals after a bus carrying Salem High School’s football team overturned around 10:45 p.m. Friday at the intersection of State Route 138 and Interstate 20 in Rockdale County, officials said.
The injured included 22 students and three adults. One student was airlifted, while the other injured passengers were transported to hospitals in the area, according to the Rockdale County School District. The bus driver and the driver of a Kia Soul struck in the crash were among those hospitalized.
Georgia State Patrol troopers said they believe the bus driver, 74, lost control while turning right onto SR 138 after exiting eastbound I-20. The bus crossed both the southbound and northbound lanes, hit the Kia, driven by a 35-year-old Covington man, and rolled onto its side.
Conyers police said 27 people were on the bus: 17 players, seven trainers, two coaches and the driver. The team was returning from an away game against Greater Atlanta Christian School.
Rockdale County Superintendent Stephanie Johnson said district and school staff went to hospitals, including Grady Memorial and Piedmont Rockdale, to support those injured. She said the district would continue to care for the Salem community as people recover and asked residents to keep those affected in their thoughts.
Greater Atlanta Christian School President Scott Harsh also contacted Salem and district officials to offer support. The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation said it would provide chaplain support and mental health resources for students and families affected by the crash.