Calgary police say they have identified two victims as the investigation continues into an eight-vehicle collision Thursday afternoon that left three dead and 16 injured in northeast Calgary. Calgary police said in a Friday statement that around 1:10 p.m., a transit bus travelling north in the 800 block of Saddletown Circle N.E. driving into the intersection of 80 Avenue N.E. collided with a truck driving in the same direction. The truck was knocked into an adjacent lane, where it sideswiped an SUV, then hit a cube truck. The bus, meanwhile, drove into the back of a sedan, knocking it through the intersection, where it hit a truck. The city bus then hit the back of a second city transit bus, causing the natural gas tanks in the second bus to catch fire as it rolled forward and hit another sedan. The fire then detonated into an explosion that caused a fire inside the bus, killing three passengers. Police said they have notified next of kin of the two identified victims while they continue to try to verify the identify of the third. The driver of the second bus was able to exit the vehicle, while the driver of the first bus was transported to hospital with life-altering injuries. The other drivers of the various vehicles were either not injured or sustained minor injuries, including a police officer who is recovering at home. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has said the officer ran onto the burning bus to save a child. Overall, police say 16 people sustained minor injuries. Police have not determined whether impairment, speed or distraction contributed to the collision. Friday, Calgary Transit sent CTV News the following statement: “Most importantly, Calgary Transit’s sympathies are with those people, their families and Calgary Transit operators who were involved in this critical incident. Safety remains our highest priority. “All Calgary Transit buses, including the 347 CNG buses, are subject to regular maintenance inspections and safety checks before entering service. “Moving forward, we will be working closely with the investigators to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and will conduct a review of our CNG operations to ensure any additional safety measures required are put in place.” Those who witnessed the incident and were affected by it are encouraged to connect with the Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) by calling 4003-428-8398 or 1-888-327-7828. VAST is a free service offered to victims of crime and tragedy. For more information, go here. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing tor remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app. With files from The Canadian Press
