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A yellow bus carrying a high school football team overturned late Friday night in Georgia when the elderly driver lost control, injuring 25, including one seriously.
The bus — which was transporting players and staff from Salem High School home from an away game — rolled over at the intersection of Georgia State Route 138 and Interstate 20 in Rockdale County around 10:45 p.m., Atlanta News First reported, citing the Georgia State Patrol.
A total of 22 students and three adults were rushed to hospitals for treatment — including one student who was airlifted from the scene, Rockdale County Public Schools confirmed in a statement on its website.
Only one student remains hospitalized as of Saturday, according to the district.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected. We are grateful to the first responders, medical professionals, and Salem and RCPS staff members who cared for our students and adults,” Rockdale County Public Schools said.
“To protect the privacy of our students and families, the district will not release names or additional medical information.”
Investigators believe the bus’ 74-year-old driver lost control when he was trying to make a right onto SR 138 turn while exiting the I-20 highway eastbound, the outlet reported.
The bus — with 27 passengers onboard — slid across the highway’s north and southbound lanes and smashed into a 35-year-old man driving a Kia Soul before ultimately rolling over on the side of the roadway.
Both drivers from the bus and Kia Soul were among the group rushed to the hospital.
“We are deeply grateful that there were no fatalities and that many have been treated and released,” Rockdale County Superintendent Stephanie Johnson said in a statement.
“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.
Johnson said “the cause of the accident remains under investigation.”
The Salem High School football team were returning home after an away game against Greater Atlanta Christian School, the local station reported.
“We are especially praying for healing for those who were injured and for God’s peace and comfort for everyone impacted,” Greater Atlanta Christian School president Scott Harsh said in an email to Salem High School and its district.
“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,” Harsh wrote.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation — founded to support students and families after the Uvalde school shooting in 2022 — also said it will provide support and mental health resources for the passengers onboard.