Calgary Transit plans to investigate Thursday’s fatal multi-vehicle collision in northeast Calgary and assess whether additional safety measures are needed after a natural gas-powered bus caught fire.
Calgary Transit director Sharon Fleming said the agency’s priority was caring for the passengers and operators involved. She indicated Transit would conduct its own investigation when able to establish the cause of the collision and determine what safety measures might be necessary.
The October 15 collision near Saddletowne Circle and 80 Avenue N.E. involved two Calgary Transit buses and several other vehicles. Three passengers aboard the second bus died.
According to the Calgary Police Service’s October 16 update, the first transit bus struck several vehicles before hitting the rear of a second bus. Police say the natural gas tanks on the second bus ignited during the collision. The fire intensified within seconds, resulting in an explosion and a significant fire inside the bus.
The driver of the first bus was taken to hospital with life-altering injuries. Police also reported 16 people with minor injuries, including an officer. Investigators have not determined whether speed, impairment or distraction played a role in the collision.
The Calgary Fire Department says its firefighters found a second bus burning when crews arrived, while another driver was trapped inside a damaged bus. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, rescued the trapped driver and coordinated a mass-casualty response.
After the fire was extinguished, Calgary Fire hazardous-materials specialists worked with Calgary Transit personnel to assess the damaged vehicle’s compressed natural gas system and confirm it had been safely vented.
Fire investigators are examining the origin and cause of the bus fire. Their work is proceeding alongside the Calgary Police Service collision investigation and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s death investigation.
No determination about a defect in the natural gas system has been announced. Calgary Transit has not announced fleet-wide grounding or specific new safety requirements. The scope and conclusions of its safety assessment remain outstanding.
Official source: Calgary Police Service collision update (October 16).
Official source: Calgary Fire Department incident response update (October 16).