Calgary reviews safety of CNG bus fleet after deadly collision ignites bus
A collision between two Calgary Transit buses on Saddletowne Circle N.E. caused a CNG tank to explode, killing three people and injuring 16. City officials have launched a review of safety procedures for the natural-gas fleet.
On Thursday, a collision between two city buses in the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E. triggered an explosion of a compressed natural gas tank, killing three individuals and wounding 16 others, according to police. Calgary Transit stated that its CNG buses are subject to routine inspections, maintenance and safety checks, and announced a comprehensive review of its CNG operations in partnership with investigators.
The municipality noted that 347 of its 40-foot buses—about 44 % of the fleet—run on CNG, delivering lower fuel costs and significant reductions in greenhouse-gas and nitrogen-oxide emissions. Nova Bus, the Quebec-based manufacturer supplying the fleet, said it is cooperating with the inquiry but refrained from speculation. Mike Mahar, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583, said the union is closely monitoring the investigation and expects safety shortcomings to be addressed. Calgary continues to promote its CNG program as a leading example in North America, citing the large Stoney Transit Facility that can accommodate up to 470 buses.
Why it matters
The incident raises public safety concerns for a widely used natural-gas bus fleet and could affect transit policies.
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