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Written by: E. George
Published August 13, 2024 @ 11:05 AM ET
FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. – On the night of Thursday, August 8, 2024, a school bus from Rome City Schools was involved in a serious crash along Highway 101. The incident occurred as the bus was returning from a preseason football scrimmage game at Rockmart High School.
According to reports, the collision happened when a Nissan Versa, driven by 21-year-old Jeyonna Underwood, veered into the lane occupied by the school bus. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) has indicated that Underwood is suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. She has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and failure to maintain lane.
The crash occurred when Underwood’s vehicle struck the rear driver’s side wheel of the school bus. The impact caused the bus to veer off the road, overturn, and ultimately collide with a power pole. The force of the collision resulted in the bus being severely damaged.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, emergency services responded quickly. The Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center confirmed that the facility received a total of 15 people for treatment, comprising three adults and 12 minors. All individuals were treated for their injuries and subsequently released from the medical facility.
Witnesses reported that the crash occurred in close proximity to their homes. A local resident described the scene vividly. “We heard a tremendous explosion and thought, ‘What in the world was that?’” he recounted.
According to reports, several people ran outside to find the overturned bus. They immediately rushed to assist the bus driver and some of the students, who were in a state of shock and panic with cuts, bruises, and scrapes.
Following the accident, Rome City Schools provided an update shortly after midnight, informing the community that all buses were back in operation and heading back to Rome High School.
Prior to the crash, the Rome City Schools district celebrated a significant victory, as the Rome Wolves had won their preseason scrimmage with a score of 58-6 against the Rockmart High School Yellowjackets. The mood of celebration was thus marred by the unfortunate turn of events later in the evening.
The Polk County School District extended its support to the affected individuals and institutions involved in the accident. A statement posted on their official Facebook page read, “Polk School District extends our thoughts and prayers to the Rome High School student-athletes and staff involved in a bus accident following Thursday evening’s scrimmage at Rockmart High School. Please join us in sending well wishes to all involved.”
This case is currently pending in court.
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