Police seek bus passengers after fatal northeast collision and fire

Three people died and 16 were injured when one Calgary Transit bus collided with several vehicles and then struck a second bus in the Saddle Ridge neighbourhood on October 15, just after 1 p.m. The natural gas tanks on the second bus caught fire and exploded, killing all three fatalities aboard that vehicle.

Police are now appealing for passengers from either bus to contact investigators. "We believe that several passengers likely left the scene following the collision without knowing that investigators would like to hear their witness accounts," said Calgary Police Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward. "It is imperative that we talk to everyone who may have information that could progress our investigation."

One Calgary Transit bus collided with multiple vehicles before hitting a compressed natural gas-powered Nova Bus. The crash occurred at the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E., near the neighbourhood's fire station.

Of the 16 injured, 10 were transported by ambulance — one in life-threatening condition and nine in non-life-threatening condition. Another five assessed at scene for minor injuries were later transported to hospital, and one Calgary Police Service member sustained minor injuries.

Investigators have not disclosed what caused the initial collision. The bus that caught fire was carrying passengers; the driver was able to exit the vehicle. The driver of the second bus sustained life-altering injuries.

Anyone with information about the collision can contact Calgary Police Service Traffic Section at 403-428-4000 or the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. The Victim Assistance Support Team is available at 403-428-8398 or toll-free 1-888-327-7828. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through the P3 Tips app. The case number is CA26474612/5336.