Serious Bus Accident on Highway 138 at Interstate 20 in Conyers, GA, October 23, 2026

A school bus carrying Salem High School football players, trainers and coaches collided with a Kia Soul and overturned on Highway 138 at Interstate 20 in Conyers, Georgia, shortly before 11 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026.

The bus was returning from a football game against Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross. Rockdale County Public Schools said 17 athletes, seven trainers, two coaches and the driver were aboard.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, bus driver Walter Hackett, 74, of Conyers, was exiting eastbound I-20 and attempting a right turn onto Highway 138 when he lost control. The bus traveled across both directions of the highway, struck the Kia, rotated and came to rest on its side on the shoulder.

Authorities identified the Kia driver as Calvin Harling, 35, of Covington. Both Harling and Hackett were taken to hospitals.

The school district reported that 22 students and three staff members received hospital care following the Rockdale County crash. State troopers said some students were transported by ambulance, while parents drove others to hospitals. Treatment facilities included Arthur Blank Children’s Hospital, Scottish Rite, Grady Memorial, Piedmont Rockdale, Piedmont Walton and Piedmont Newton.

In the district’s latest update, one student remained hospitalized. All other students and adults had been released, including a student who was airlifted from the scene. Officials reported no fatalities but did not disclose the extent of the injuries.

The district said it would withhold student names and additional medical information to protect the privacy of students and families. The crash remained under investigation, and authorities had not said what caused the driver to lose control.