ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Two weeks after a school bus carrying Salem High School football players overturned in Rockdale County, the Seminoles returned to the field Friday night as Georgia State Patrol revealed for the first time what investigators say caused the crash.
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The team played its first game since the wreck on homecoming night, but 16 players were unable to suit up because of injuries from the crash. The sidelined players make up nearly a third of the team’s roster and include much of its defense.
Only one injured player had been cleared to return by Friday.
With so many players out, some of their teammates took on unfamiliar roles, including playing on both offense and defense.
But some of the night’s most powerful moments came from the players who could not play.
At the end of the first quarter, injured Seminoles gathered on the 30-yard line wearing their jerseys. Some stood with the help of crutches as the school recognized those hurt in the crash.
“To everyone injured in that accident, especially our football players who are unable to take the field tonight, you are part of this team. You belong here, and you are in our hearts,” the announcer said over the speakers at the game.
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The team also heard a message of unity over the speakers: “Always remember we are Salem, we are Seminoles, and we stand together.”
The emotional return came as new details emerged about the crash that sent many of the players to the hospital.
Georgia State Patrol says driver error caused the bus to overturn.
Investigators said 74-year-old Walter Hackett failed to properly make a right turn off the Interstate 20 exit ramp. The bus crossed Highway 138, struck a car and overturned, landing in a construction site.
GSP investigators found no evidence that Hackett was impaired, distracted or speeding. Investigators also found no mechanical problems with the bus.
Despite the findings, GSP said Hackett will not face criminal charges.
Channel 2 Action News reached out to Hackett about the findings, but he declined to comment.
While the investigation has now provided answers about what caused the crash, the recovery continues for the Salem High School football team.
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