Bus Carrying Georgia College Band Overturns

ATLANTA --

A charter bus carrying members of the Morehouse College band overturned on Interstate 75 southbound Saturday causing several injuries, Henry County police said.

It happened at about 10:15 a.m. near Interstate 675 in Henry County. Investigators said approximately 42 people were aboard the bus when it overturned.

"This was a frightening day ... a sad day for us. But thank God not a tragic day," said Morehouse College president Dr. Robert Franklin. "Counselors and the chaplain will be on hand on campus," Franklin added.

Officials said the bus was one of three going southbound to a Morehouse-Albany State University game in Albany. The other buses were not involved, police said.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Ashley Hayes was the first reporter at the scene to gather details on what happened. Hayes e-mailed pictures of the overturned bus from her phone and even captured a shot of some students who made it out of the bus safely.

Police said a car may have cut in front of the bus, causing it to go out of control and overturn, landing on its right side in a ditch about 60 feet off the road.

Investigators said at least 13 people were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The other 29 individuals complained of injuries at the scene, and were also transported by non-emergency means to be checked out at a local hospital.

Roads were wet Saturday, but officials haven't determined whether it played a role in the accident.

One southbound lane remained closed, but officials have opened two other lanes to ease the flow of traffic. Drivers should avoid the area if possible.

"This morning's rain has made for wet roads all across north Georgia. With more showers in the forecast, don't expect them to dry out much today," said Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist Brad Nitz.

Franklin said the school will hold a special service Sunday. "Sunday evening in the Martin Luther King Chapel, we'll have a service of gratitude and prayers for those who continue to receive medical attention," said Franklin.

Parents and guardians seeking information may call (404) 215-2634.

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