Police seek bus passengers who fled Calgary crash that killed three
Investigators believe several passengers left the scene before speaking with police after a crash that killed three and injured 16.
CALGARY — Calgary police are asking passengers from two transit buses involved in a fatal crash last week to come forward, saying several left the scene before speaking with investigators.
“It is imperative that we talk to everyone who may have information that could progress our investigation,” said CPS Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward in a statement.
“We believe that several passengers likely left the scene following the collision without knowing that investigators would like to hear their witness accounts,” Woodward said.
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Police are urging those passengers to contact the CPS Traffic Section at 403-428-4000 or the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.
What happened in the crash?
Emergency crews were called to Saddletowne Circle near 80 Avenue N.E. around 1:10 p.m. on Oct. 15 following reports of a vehicle fire involving a Calgary Transit bus.
According to police, a northbound Calgary Transit bus struck a truck, which then sideswiped an SUV and hit the back of a box truck.
The bus kept going, pushed a sedan through the intersection and into another truck, and then hit the back of a second Calgary Transit bus that was stopped to pick up passengers.
The natural gas tanks on the second bus ignited, causing a fire and subsequent explosion inside the bus.
The fire grew into a significant blaze within seconds, according to police.
The second bus then rolled forward and hit a sedan.
What were the injuries and response?
Three passengers on the second bus were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say they have been identified, and their next of kin have been notified.
Ten people were transported to hospital via ambulance after the collision, one of whom was in life-threatening condition.
Police later said 16 people had minor injuries, including a police officer who is now recovering at home.
The driver of the first bus was taken to hospital with life-altering injuries, while the driver of the second bus was able to get out.
Firefighters arrived to find several badly damaged vehicles, multiple injured people, a driver trapped in one bus and the other bus on fire.
The Calgary Fire Department declared a mass casualty incident.
Its technical rescue team freed the trapped driver, and firefighters found the three passengers who died while putting out the fire and searching the bus.
What is the status of the investigation?
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Police said last week it was too early to know whether impairment, speed or distraction played a role, and that all possible factors are under investigation.
Fire investigators are looking into the origin and cause of the fire, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is investigating the deaths.
No further details on the investigation are available at this time as it remains ongoing.
Where can people get help or provide information?
Passengers on either bus are asked to call the police traffic section at 403-428-4000.
Anyone else with information can call police at 403-266-1234 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Those affected after witnessing the incident are encouraged to contact the Victim Assistance Support Team by calling 403-428-8398 or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583, which represents Calgary Transit operators, said it is “heartbroken by the loss of life and the devastating injuries suffered in this collision.”
The union said one operator remained in hospital, and it thanked emergency responders, including a police officer who it said went into the burning bus to help people trapped inside.
Police said the other drivers in the collision were either uninjured or sustained minor injuries.
Nosy Mag reported last week that a chain-reaction collision involving a natural gas-powered bus triggered a major fire in the city's northeast.
With files from CityNews, CBC News and Calgary Herald