Cause of fiery Calgary bus crash that killed 3 passengers, injured 16 under investigation

Calgary police are investigating the cause of a fiery bus crash that killed three passengers and injured 16 others, including a police officer. The collision occurred Thursday afternoon along the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E., involving two Calgary Transit buses and several other vehicles. One bus struck a truck, which then collided with an SUV and another truck.

The bus then collided with a sedan, sending it through an intersection before striking a second bus. Flames erupted on the second bus as it hit a sedan, resulting in three fatalities on that vehicle. The driver of the second bus escaped, while the first bus driver was trapped and taken to the hospital with life-altering injuries.

A Calgary police officer saved a child inside the burning bus and is recovering at home. Police have stated they will conduct a full investigation, but have not yet determined if factors such as impairment, speed, or distraction played a role. Calgary Transit, which operates the natural gas-powered buses, noted that while the incident is rare, the fire was particularly severe. The city intends to acquire 153 more of these buses this year to replace diesel ones.