Three people are dead and at least 10 are injured after two Calgary Transit buses collided and caught fire near Saddletowne station in northeast Calgary Thursday afternoon.
Our condolences go out to the families of the three people killed, and to everyone hurt.
The Calgary Police Service says officers were called at about 1:11 p.m. to the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E., in Saddle Ridge, for a vehicle fire involving a City of Calgary bus.
Police say three people were declared dead. At least 10 were injured. One has life-altering injuries, and another has serious injuries. A Calgary police officer also had minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
Both buses were in service and carrying passengers. One driver had to be cut out of his bus.
Police haven’t said what caused the crash or the fire. The names of the people who died haven’t been released.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas: “A heartbreaking day for our city”
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas spoke in a video to Calgarians Thursday.
“I’m heartbroken to share that three people have lost their lives and ten others have been injured,” he said.
He sent his deepest condolences, on behalf of the City of Calgary, to the families of the people who died. He told the injured the city is hoping for their recovery.
Farkas said the fire has been contained.
Then he promised answers.
“There will be a full investigation into what happened, what caused this collision and what may need to change to prevent another tragedy,” he said.
For now, he said, the city’s focus is on the grieving families and the people who are recovering. He singled out the transit operators, passengers and first responders who were there.
“This is a heartbreaking day for our city,” Farkas said. “As Calgarians, we’ll stand together to support everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Earlier, at city hall, he thanked Calgary police, firefighters and paramedics.
Two buses collided near Saddletowne station
Calgary Transit director Sharon Fleming said the two buses collided near Saddletowne station, at the northeast end of the CTrain Blue Line. Both were in regular passenger service.
“Our priority is the safety and care of the passengers and operators involved in the collision,” Fleming said.
Video posted online showed one bus fully engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising over Saddle Ridge. The front of the second bus was smashed in, with its steering wheel twisted and sticking out, and there was fire at the front.
Police told CTV News other vehicles were also involved. They haven’t said how many, or how.
It isn’t known yet whether the three people who died were on the buses or in other vehicles.
One driver had to be cut free
Mike Mahar, president of the union that represents Calgary Transit operators, told CTV News that one bus driver got out right away.
The other driver couldn’t. Mahar said he was trapped and had to be cut free by emergency crews, then taken to hospital. Mahar said he didn’t know the driver’s condition.
Officials haven’t said whether either driver is among the seriously injured.
Were the buses running on natural gas?
Mahar also said both buses were powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), with pressurized fuel tanks mounted on their roofs.
According to Calgary Transit, it has run CNG buses since 2014. It now has 246 of them, about 20 per cent of its bus fleet, and plans to have about 399 by 2027. They’re based at the Stoney Transit Facility in northeast Calgary, which the city calls the largest indoor CNG fuelling complex in North America.
Investigators have not said whether the fuel played any role in the fire.
Calgary Transit says it will run its own investigation alongside police. It wants to find out what happened and whether any safety changes are needed.
Timeline
About 1:11 p.m.: Police are called to the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E. for a vehicle fire involving a City of Calgary bus.
About 1:30 p.m.: Police close the intersection of Saddletowne Circle and 80 Avenue N.E.
Afternoon: A fire department spokesperson confirms multiple deaths. Calgary Transit confirms the two buses collided.
3:08 p.m.: Police confirm three dead and at least 10 injured.
Later Thursday: Mayor Farkas says the fire has been contained and promises a full investigation.
Saddletowne Circle closed
Police closed all access to Saddletowne Circle N.E., including the intersection at 80 Avenue N.E. They said it will stay closed for a significant amount of time while investigators work the scene.
Avoid the area. If you take transit through Saddletowne station, check Calgary Transit’s service alerts for detours before you leave.
What we still don’t know
Who died: The names of the three people killed, and whether they were passengers, drivers or people in other vehicles
The injured: How the hospitalized are doing, including the driver who was cut free
The crash: What caused the two buses to collide
The fire: What started it, and whether the fuel played a part
Other vehicles: How many were involved, and how
Anyone with information should contact the Calgary Police Service.
What Happens Next?
Calgary police and Calgary Transit are investigating the collision that killed three people and injured at least 10 others near Saddletowne station.
Investigators have not established what caused the buses to collide or why they caught fire.
Among the outstanding questions are whether other vehicles contributed to the crash, whether the buses' fuel systems played a role in the fire, and whether any changes to transit operations or equipment are needed.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas has promised a full investigation, including an examination of what could be done to prevent another tragedy.
No timeline has been announced for the investigation's finding
Sources
Calgary Police Service: Police respond to serious bus fire
Calgary Transit: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses
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