Serious Bus Accident on State Route 138 at Interstate 20 Eastbound Exit, Georgia, October 23, 2026

At least 25 people were hospitalized after a school bus carrying Salem High School’s football team collided with a Kia Soul and overturned on State Route 138 at the Interstate 20 eastbound exit in Georgia on October 23, 2026.

The team was returning from an away game against Greater Atlanta Christian School. There were 27 people aboard the bus: 17 student-athletes, seven trainers, two coaches and the driver.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, the bus was leaving eastbound Interstate 20 and attempting a right turn onto State Route 138 when it struck the Kia. The car spun about a half-turn and stopped facing south in the right northbound lane.

The bus continued onto the highway’s east shoulder, where it rolled and came to rest on its passenger side, facing south. All lanes of State Route 138 were closed following the crash.

Troopers responded at about 10:48 p.m. after Conyers police requested assistance with the investigation. Authorities identified the bus driver as Walter Hackett, 74, and the Kia driver as Calvin Harling, 35. Both were transported for treatment.

Authorities said all students were accounted for. Parents took some students for medical care, while others traveled by ambulance. One student was flown by Life Flight. Specific injury severities were not reported.

School district officials said staff were at area hospitals to support those receiving care and their families.

The State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team was investigating, and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division officers were also called to the scene. Troopers were working with school officials and emergency medical personnel to document student injuries, hospital destinations and how students had been transported.

By Sunday, October 25, Rockdale County Public Schools said all students and adults hospitalized after the crash had been discharged. The district confirmed 27 people aboard: 17 players, seven trainers, two coaches and the driver. Twenty-five passengers were injured. The discharge announcement did not provide individual medical conditions or establish that everyone had completed further care.

Sources: people.com; fox5atlanta.com. Reviewed and updated October 28, 2026.