Expert says bus model involved in deadly Calgary crash considered ‘extremely safe’

On October 15, 2026, at least three people died and at least ten others were injured when two Calgary transit buses collided in the city’s northeast Saddle Ridge neighborhood. The collision occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Saddletowne Circle near the local fire station. One bus caught fire, with flames engulfing its roof, while the front end of the other was severely damaged. Firefighters and emergency personnel responded to the scene, closing access to the area for an extended period.

Police reported that one bus struck a truck, causing it to side-swipe several vehicles before hitting another Calgary Transit bus filled with compressed natural gas, leading to an explosion and severe fire. The driver of the second bus was trapped and sustained life-altering injuries while being rescued. Images circulating online showed thick black smoke billowing from the burning bus, prompting multiple rescues by emergency services.

The incident is under investigation to determine its exact cause, though experts maintain that buses running on compressed natural gas are generally considered extremely safe despite this tragic event.