Calgary police probe cause of fiery bus crash that killed three
A chain-reaction crash involving two transit buses and several vehicles erupted into flames on a busy northeast Calgary road, with investigators still working to identify one of three victims.
Why it matters
The crash raises questions about the safety of natural gas-powered transit buses operating in Calgary's fleet.
Calgary police are investigating the cause of a fiery crash Thursday that killed three bus passengers and injured 16 others, including a police officer, on a busy road in the city's northeast. Two transit buses and several other vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction collision.
Police say the three people who died were riding a bus equipped with natural gas tanks that ignited into flames and, within seconds, intensified into an explosion. Two of the victims have been identified; work to confirm the identity of the third is ongoing.
The driver of the bus that caught fire managed to escape, while the driver of the other bus involved was taken to hospital with life-altering injuries. A police officer who rushed to help is recovering at home. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the officer ran onto the burning bus to save a child.
Investigators say it is too early to determine whether impairment, speed or distraction contributed to the crash.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.