Driver, 74, 'lost control' of a Georgia high school football team's bus before it flipped, leaving 25 people in hospital

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 October 2026 · last updated 25 October 2026.

Walter Hackett, of Conyers, was turning right off Interstate 20 onto State Route 138 late on Friday when the Salem High School bus veered across all the lanes. It struck a Kia Soul driven by Calvin Harling, 35, then rolled almost a full turn onto its side. One student was airlifted from the scene. Only one pupil remains in hospital, and no one was killed.

The 27 aboard included 17 student-athletes, seven trainers and two coaches.

The team was heading home from an away game at Greater Atlanta Christian School.

Rockdale County Superintendent Stephanie Johnson said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.