Calgary police provided additional information on Friday regarding a fiery bus crash and explosion that resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The incident occurred just after 1 p.m. on Thursday in the northeast Saddle Ridge neighborhood of Calgary, involving a Calgary transit bus. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene, and 16 others sustained injuries.
The collision took place on Saddletowne Circle N.E., with the bus traveling north towards 80th Avenue. According to the police, the bus collided with a truck in the same direction, leading to a chain reaction. The truck then veered into an adjacent lane, brushing against an SUV and hitting the rear of a box truck.
Simultaneously, the bus continued its course and rear-ended a sedan, propelling it through the intersection where it collided with another truck. Subsequently, the bus struck the rear of a second transit bus, which then collided with another sedan.
During the collision between the two buses, the natural gas tanks on the second bus caught fire, intensifying rapidly and resulting in an explosion and significant fire inside the bus. Three passengers were found deceased on the second bus, with two identified, while efforts are ongoing to identify the third victim.
The driver of the first bus sustained severe injuries and was taken to the hospital, while the driver of the second bus managed to exit the vehicle safely. Following the incident, 10 individuals were transported to the hospital via ambulance, one of whom was in critical condition. A police officer involved in the response is recovering at home from minor injuries.
According to the authorities, the drivers in the collision either escaped unharmed or suffered minor injuries. It is currently too early to ascertain if factors such as impairment, speed, or distraction played a role in the crash, as each aspect is being investigated diligently.