Salem High School football team bus overturns near I-20, 22 hospitalized

A bus carrying Salem High School's football team overturned late Friday night near State Route 138 and Interstate 20 in Rockdale County, according to the Rockdale County School District and Atlanta News First.

The bus was transporting 27 people, including 17 players, 7 trainers, 2 coaches, and the driver, when it flipped onto its side, resulting in injuries to at least 12 individuals, officials said.

One person was airlifted for treatment, while others were taken by ambulance to various area hospitals. Many of those hospitalized have since been released, the school district reported.

The bus sustained significant damage, including a shattered windshield, heavy front-end damage, and a partially collapsed roof, as noted by FOX 5 Atlanta.

Emergency responders closed all lanes on Highway 138 near I-20 to manage the scene, and a major multi-agency rescue operation was underway. The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation offered chaplain support and mental health resources to those affected.

Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the crash. The Rockdale County School District superintendent is monitoring the situation and plans to provide updates as more information becomes available.