ROME, Ga. — After a near-tragic bus accident where 15 people were hurt, including some Rome High School football players, the school administration decided to cancel their season opener on Monday.
The game was scheduled for Friday, Aug. 16, for the Corky Kell Dave Hunter Classic game. The school's administration stated that it had taken "precautionary measures" to keep some of the football players involved in the accident safe.
The frightening incident happened late Thursday night on Highway 101, where over 10 Rome High School students were injured when the school bus overturned after colliding with another vehicle.
Georgia State Patrol stated that the driver of the car involved was arrested and was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. That driver was later identified as Jeyonna Underwood, 21, of Rome. She faces charges including DUI, DUI-endangerment of a child under age 14 and failure to maintain lane.
Firefighters from Polk County Fire Rescue arrived quickly. Despite the challenging circumstances, they safely evacuated all passengers from the bus without needing mechanical extrication tools.
“We obviously want to play the game if possible, but after the players were evaluated by physicians, we realized that it was not in their best interest to suit up and play on Friday. We hope everyone understands this measure, but the safety of our student-athletes comes first,” Rome High Football Coach John Reid said. “We want to thank the organizers of the Corky Kell Dave Hunter Classic for understanding, and we want to thank the community for all the prayers and support you have offered us after the incident on Thursday.”
The school stated that the bus was carrying the players and coaches from a scrimmage against Rockmart that night.
Its next game will be on Friday, Aug. 30, in Carrollton, the school stated in a news release.