Three people have died, and 10 others are injured after a bus crash and subsequent fire in Calgary’s northeast.
According to Calgary police, emergency crews responded to a call in the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle NE after a reported vehicle fire.
CPS said that as of 3:15 p.m., they could confirm the 10 injuries and three deaths. One person has sustained life-altering injuries, and another has serious injuries. At a later news conference, CPS said eight vehicles were involved. The total number of people injured was 19, with 10 taken to hospital, according to Emergency Health Services.
A CPS member was among the injured.
Calgary Transit director Sharon Fleming said two buses were involved in the chain of crashes near the Saddletowne LRT station.
“Our priority is the safety and care of the passengers and operators involved in the collision, and our sympathies are with those affected by this incident,” she said.
“Calgary Police Service is currently investigating the matter, and Calgary Transit will also investigate as soon as we are able to determine the cause and understand what safety measures we may need to implement in the future.”
She confirmed these were regular in-service buses that were operating with passengers on board.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Twelve Calgary Fire Department units were on scene.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas also responded to news of the incident.
“I want to repeat our deepest sympathies for those individuals and their families impacted by today’s very shocking incident on Calgary Transit,” he said.
“I want to say especially a thank you to our first responders, including Calgary Police and Fire, who are attending. It’s our commitment to continue to share new information as we hear about it from the ongoing investigation and emergency response.”
More details are expected at a media availability later Thursday.
