Calgary police provided additional information on Friday regarding a bus crash and subsequent explosion that claimed three lives. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Thursday in the Saddle Ridge neighborhood’s northeast area, involving a Calgary transit bus. The collision led to a fire that resulted in three fatalities and 16 injuries.
The transit bus was heading north on Saddletowne Circle N.E. when it collided with a truck traveling in the same direction. The truck then veered into another lane, scraping an SUV and hitting the rear of a box truck. Simultaneously, the bus continued north and collided with the back of a sedan, pushing it through an intersection where it collided with another truck. The bus then struck the rear of a second transit bus, which also hit another sedan further ahead.
During the collision between the two buses, the natural gas tanks on the second bus caught fire, leading to a rapid escalation of flames and an ensuing explosion within the bus. Three passengers were found deceased on the second bus, with two identified individuals and efforts ongoing to identify the third victim.
The driver of the first bus sustained severe injuries and was taken to the hospital, while the second bus driver managed to exit the vehicle unharmed. Following the incident, ten individuals were transported to the hospital by ambulance, including one in critical condition. A police officer involved in the response is recovering at home from minor injuries.
Authorities stated that it is too early to determine the factors contributing to the crash, such as impairment, speed, or distraction, as each aspect remains under investigation.
