Salem High School football coach Nick Saban announced Saturday that the team is “doing fine” following a violent bus rollover that sent 25 players and staffers to Georgia hospitals.
The crash occurred late Friday night around 10:45 p.m. In Rockdale County as the yellow school bus carried 27 passengers home from an away game. The 74-year-old driver lost control while attempting a right turn onto Georgia State Route 138 from eastbound Interstate 20, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
The bus slid across both northbound and southbound lanes before slamming into a Kia Soul driven by a 35-year-old man and ultimately rolling onto its side. Both drivers were among those transported for medical treatment.
Rockdale County Public Schools confirmed in a website statement that 22 students and three adults were rushed to hospitals. One student was airlifted from the scene. By Saturday, only one student remained hospitalized, the district reported.
“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,” the district wrote.
Rockdale County Superintendent Stephanie Johnson addressed the community in a separate statement. “We are deeply grateful that there were no fatalities and that many have been treated and released,” she said. Johnson added that “the cause of the accident remains under investigation” and asked the community to “keep everyone involved in your thoughts throughout the recovery.”
The Salem squad had just competed against Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross. Scott Harsh, president of that school, sent an email to Salem High and the district offering support. “We are especially praying for healing for those who were injured and for God’s peace and comfort for everyone impacted,” Harsh wrote. “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, established after the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, announced it would provide mental health resources and support for those aboard the bus.
The district declined to release names or specific medical details, citing privacy concerns. “To protect the privacy of our students and families, the district will not release names or additional medical information,” officials wrote.
Salem High School is located in Conyers, about 25 miles east of Atlanta. The football program competes in Georgia’s Class 6A classification.
The Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate the precise circumstances that led the elderly driver to lose control during the exit ramp maneuver.