Saddletowne Circle safety scrutinized after deadly transit collision
The busy northeast transit hub—serving the CTrain, Max Orange BRT, and 14 bus routes—is already on council's radar for traffic and safety improvements following the October 15 crash.
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The deadly October 15 collision at Saddletowne Circle N.E. has renewed scrutiny on the safety of one of Calgary's busiest transit hubs. The crash, involving two Calgary Transit buses and multiple other vehicles, killed three people and injured more than a dozen.
Saddletowne Circle serves as a major junction: the CTrain Blue Line, the Max Orange BRT line, and 14 regular bus routes all converge there. The intensity of traffic and vehicle interaction at the location has long concerned local officials.
"I have always felt that we need to do some sort of traffic study or transportation study to look at that circle," said Ward 5 Councillor Raj Dhaliwal. The area was already on the council's radar for safety updates before this incident.
The collision occurred when a New Flyer diesel bus running Route 38 (Brentwood to Saddletowne CTrain station via 32nd Avenue N.E.) struck several vehicles before rear-ending a compressed natural gas-powered Nova Bus on Route 23 (Saddletowne station to South Health Campus in Seton, mainly on 52nd Street East). The second bus caught fire, and the heat left scorch marks in the pavement and broke glass fused to asphalt.
Calgary Police Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward called it probably the largest collision scene he has worked. Twelve fire units responded, and a hazardous materials unit was called. The bus driver was trapped and required extraction.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are continuing to seek witnesses and passengers who may have left the scene. No statement has been released on what triggered the initial collision.
What specific safety improvements is council considering for the Saddletowne Circle area?
Has the city commissioned the transportation study Councillor Dhaliwal mentioned?
Are there concerns about vehicle density and interaction at the location that predate this incident?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What happened at Saddletowne Circle on October 15?
A New Flyer diesel bus on Route 38 struck several vehicles and rear-ended a Nova Bus on Route 23 at Saddletowne Circle N.E., killing three people and injuring more than a dozen. The second bus caught fire, leaving scorch marks on the pavement.
Which transit lines serve Saddletowne Circle?
Saddletowne Circle serves the CTrain Blue Line, the Max Orange BRT line, and 14 regular bus routes.
How many fire units responded to the collision?
Twelve fire units responded to the October 15 collision at Saddletowne Circle, along with a hazardous materials unit.
