Full Breakdown
Fiery Chain-Reaction Crash In Northeast Calgary Leaves Three Dead and Multiple Injured
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Just after 1 p.m. on Thursday, a multi-vehicle collision unfolded on the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E. in Calgary’s Saddle Ridge neighbourhood. A Calgary Transit bus struck a truck traveling in the same direction; the truck then sideswiped an SUV and hit a box truck, while the bus continued forward, colliding with a sedan, a second transit bus parked at a stop, and additional vehicles. The impact ignited the natural-gas tanks on the second bus, producing a rapid fire and an explosion that sent the bus across the intersection.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 3 passengers on the second bus were pronounced dead at the scene.
- Injuries: Reports vary – some outlets cite 16 injured, others 19, including 10 transported to hospital, one in life-threatening condition, and several “walking wounded.”
- Vehicles involved: At least eight, including two Calgary Transit buses, a truck, an SUV, a box truck, a sedan, and a cube van.
- Emergency response: 12 fire units, including a hazardous-materials team, and EMS responded; one police officer sustained minor injuries.
Background & Context
Calgary Transit’s fleet includes buses powered by liquid natural gas (LNG). The second bus involved ran on LNG, a factor investigators believe contributed to the intensity of the fire. The collision occurred near a fire station and a strip-mall with security cameras that are being reviewed.
Official Statements & Responses
- Calgary Police Service: Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward, 36-year veteran, called it “probably the biggest scene” he has worked on and said reconstruction teams are on site.
- Emergency Health Services Alberta: Spokesperson Adam Loria reported 19 injured, including “five non-life-threatening ‘walking wounded’” cleared at the scene.
- Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth: Confirmed deployment of a hazardous-materials unit because the bus used LNG; the fire was serious but not classified as catastrophic.
- Mayor Jeromy Farkas: Expressed heartbreak over the deaths and injuries and pledged a full investigation.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith: Offered condolences via social media.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses described thick black smoke and flames erupting from the roof of the second bus.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Injury counts: Global News and the Globe and Mail cite 19 injured; CBC reports 16.
- Cause of the crash: Police have not released a definitive cause; investigations are ongoing.
- Identification of victims: Two of the three deceased passengers have been identified; the third remains unidentified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of the buses was travelling along Saddletowne Circle, collided with a white vehicle, which then collided with a black vehicle and then it ended up colliding with the cube van,” — Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward
- “Early indications is that she ran out towards the bus when she saw the fire,” — Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward
- “It was a very busy scene,” — Adam Loria, EMS spokesperson
- “There will be a full investigation into what happened,” — Jeromy Farkas, mayor
What’s Next
Police collision-reconstruction teams continue to analyze video footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras. Access to Saddletowne Circle remains closed while investigators and cleanup crews work on the site.