25 hospitalized after Salem High School football team bus overturns, district says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A bus carrying Salem High School’s football team overturned overnight, sending 22 students and 3 adults to the hospital, according to the Rockdale County School District.

The accident happened at the intersection of SR 138 and I-20 at around 10:45 p.m., Georgia State Patrol (GSP) said. One student was airlifted for their injuries, while the others were taken to multiple other hospitals.

Troopers believe the bus’s 74-year-old driver was trying to make a right turn onto SR 138 after exiting I-20 eastbound when he lost control. The bus went across the highway’s southbound and northbound lanes, hitting a Kia Soul driven by a 35-year-old man from Covington, before rolling over on the side of the road.

The bus driver and the Kia Soul’s driver were among those taken to the hospital. As of Saturday afternoon, everyone except for one student has been released, including the student who was airlifted.

In total, 27 people were on the bus, Conyers police said: 17 players, seven trainers, two coaches and one driver.

Rockdale County Superintendent Stephanie Johnson said school and district staff showed up to support those hurt at the hospitals, including Grady Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and facilities in Newton and Walton counties.

“As our Salem family heals, we will continue to surround them with care and we ask our community to keep everyone involved in your thoughts throughout the recovery,” she said.

The team was returning from an away game against Greater Atlanta Christian School on Friday night. Scott Harsh, the school’s president, reached out to Salem High School and the district to show support.

“We are especially praying for healing for those who were injured and for God’s peace and comfort for everyone impacted,” the email to officials said. “Having just hosted your team on our campus last night, we especially want to reach out and offer our care and support during this difficult time.”

The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, which was founded to support students and families after traumatic events following the Uvalde school shooting, said it will also provide chaplain support and mental health resources.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.