Rockdale County school bus crash caused by driver error, GSP says

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google Editor’s note: The videos above are from previous coverage. ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Driver error caused a school bus crash that injured 22 students and three adults in Rockdale County last month, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP). Around 10:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, a bus carrying members of Salem High School’s football team overturned in Conyers. Shortly after the crash, troopers said the 74-year-old driver lost control of the bus while trying to make a right turn onto SR 138 after exiting I-20 eastbound. The bus crossed all lanes of SR 138, hitting a Kia Soul driven by a 35-year-old Covington man, before rolling over on the side of the road, troopers said. Twenty-two students and three adults were taken to various hospitals, including one student who was airlifted. They were all released by the Sunday afternoon after the crash. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Students describe quiet return to Salem High School after bus crash According to GSP, investigators determined “the proximate cause of the collision was driver error.” The driver is not believed to have been impaired, distracted or speeding. Investigators also found no evidence of mechanical issues with the bus. GSP said no criminal charges are expected to be filed against the driver. MORE COVERAGE: Grandmother of high school football player hurt in Conyers bus crash says he’s traumatized All Salem High School football players, staff released from hospital after bus crash, district says Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.