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Extra counselors on hand at Salem High School following football team bus crash

The Salem High School football team's bus crashed coming home from Friday night's game against Greater Atlanta Christian School.
Salem High School football bus crash The Salem High School football team's bus crashed coming home from Friday night's game against Greater Atlanta Christian School.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA — Additional counselors will be available at Salem High School this week as dozens recover from a school bus crash involving the school’s football team.

The Georgia State Patrol has released new details about the crash, which happened as the team was returning to Salem High School following a football game.

According to troopers, the bus was exiting Interstate 20 onto Highway 138 in Conyers when the driver, identified as 74-year-old Walter Hacket, lost control and struck another vehicle driven by 35-year-old Calvin Harling.

The bus then overturned, leaving 25 people injured, including 22 students. One person was airlifted to the hospital due to the severity of their injuries.

The Georgia State Patrol is bringing in specialized troopers to investigate what caused the crash.

In a statement, Rockdale County Public Schools thanked first responders and medical personnel for their efforts following the accident. The district also expressed gratitude that no lives were lost.

School officials are asking the community to keep everyone involved in their thoughts as those injured continue to recover.

Additional counselors will be on hand at Salem High School beginning Monday to provide support to students and staff throughout the week.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Keith Cromwell contributed to this story.