A serious traffic collision involving two public transit buses in Calgary, Canada, left three people dead and 19 injured, according to reports citing local authorities. The crash triggered a major fire and prompted an emergency response from police, firefighters and medical teams.
The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. local time near Saddletowne Circle and 80 Avenue Northeast in Calgary, Alberta. Police and emergency personnel rushed to the scene as flames and thick smoke rose from one of the buses.
Bus Collision Triggered Chain-Reaction Crash
According to police accounts reported by The Canadian Press and other local media, the incident began when a moving transit bus collided with a car. The initial impact set off a chain reaction involving several vehicles.
The bus continued through an intersection and struck another transit bus that was stopped near a bus stop. The collision caused a fire, and the second bus was pushed across the roadway, where it collided with additional vehicles.
Authorities reported that multiple vehicles were involved in the incident. Investigators are examining the sequence of collisions to establish precisely how the crash unfolded.
Three Dead, 19 People Injured
Emergency medical services reported 19 injuries in total. Ten injured people were transported to hospitals by ambulance, while others received medical attention.
Three people were declared dead at the scene. Reports also indicated that some of the injured suffered serious injuries. A Calgary police officer was among those hurt and was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The scale of the incident required a substantial response from emergency crews. Police secured the area while firefighters worked at the scene.
Fire Engulfs Transit Bus
Images and video from the scene showed flames spreading across the roof of a transit bus, accompanied by thick, dark smoke. The front of another bus was also visibly damaged.
Police said the bus that caught fire was powered by natural gas, which investigators believe may have contributed to the intensity of the blaze. The precise circumstances surrounding the fire remain part of the investigation.
The incident also disrupted traffic in the surrounding area. Authorities closed access to Saddletowne Circle and urged motorists to avoid the affected roads while emergency operations and investigative work continued.
Authorities Begin Investigation
Calgary police are investigating the circumstances of the collision, including how the first impact led to the subsequent crashes and fire. Officials have not established a final cause, and further findings are expected as investigators examine evidence from the scene.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas expressed condolences to the victims and their families. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also offered sympathies to those affected by the tragedy.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges emergency services face when a road collision involving large vehicles escalates into a fire and a multi-vehicle crash.
Authorities have said a full investigation will examine what happened. Until investigators release further findings, the exact factors that led to the collision remain unconfirmed.
Sources: The Associated Press, The Canadian Press, Global News Canada and Calgary police statements, as reported by local media.
