Overview
- A chain‑reaction crash in northeast Calgary on Thursday began when a Calgary Transit bus struck another vehicle and then collided with a parked, natural‑gas bus, triggering a rapid fire and a reported explosion.
- Police confirmed three people died at the scene and said at least 10 others were injured, including one life‑altering injury and one serious injury, while an EMS spokesperson reported a higher total of 19 people hurt.
- Investigators are focusing on collision dynamics and the role of the natural‑gas tanks in intensifying the blaze as coroners and collision reconstruction teams work to determine cause and sequence.
- Emergency crews from fire, EMS and police closed Saddletowne Circle and the intersection at 80 Ave NE, freed at least one trapped driver, treated a Calgary Police member for minor injuries and warned the public to avoid the area.
- Calgary Transit confirmed the crash involved two of its buses near Saddletowne LRT Station and officials warned the mixed fleet’s use of compressed natural gas can complicate fires and rescue efforts, with further updates on casualties and identifications expected.