CALGARY – An expert in low-carbon transportation has asserted that the approximately 1,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses currently operating across Canada are still regarded as "extremely safe." This statement follows a tragic incident in Calgary, where a CNG bus was involved in a deadly crash that resulted in three fatalities and over a dozen injuries.
The incident occurred on Thursday, involving a chain-reaction crash in which a transit bus collided with multiple vehicles before rear-ending a parked bus. The subsequent impact ignited an explosion, further complicating the scene and prompting a rapid response from emergency services. Calgary police reported that one officer sustained injuries while trying to assist the situation amidst the flames.
One of the 12-meter-long buses involved in this catastrophic event operated on compressed natural gas, a fuel frequently lauded for its affordability and lower environmental impact compared to traditional diesel. Josipa Petrunic, the president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), affirmed that CNG buses have been utilized in public transit for over two decades and emphasized the need for investigations to understand the circumstances that led to this incident.
According to a report from CUTRIC, a total of 958 CNG-powered buses are in operation in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Petrunic highlighted several heavy-duty safety mechanisms incorporated into the design of these buses, noting features that mitigate leakage and reduce fire risk. Additionally, the tanks of these buses are engineered to endure severe impacts, contributing to their safety profile.
Petrunic also pointed out the longstanding safety concern regarding the absence of seatbelts in most public transportation systems, suggesting that this represents a significant risk factor. In light of the recent crash, a spokesperson from Nova Bus— the manufacturer of the bus that was rear-ended— emphasized that it is too early to draw conclusions regarding the cause until a thorough investigation is conducted. They assured that safety is their highest priority and pledged full cooperation with Calgary Transit and relevant authorities.
Calgary Transit has reported that approximately 20% of its fleet consists of CNG buses, totaling nearly 250 in operation. The agency plans to acquire an additional 150 CNG buses this year, aimed at replacing older diesel models. Petrunic stressed the importance of robust safety protocols in manufacturing and emphasized that any public transit accident should not lead to passenger deaths.
As investigators continue to analyze the factors contributing to this tragic accident, industry leaders are urged to examine the circumstances that culminated in such a catastrophic event. Petrunic remarked that multiple factors must have coincided for such a disastrous outcome to occur.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of public transportation and the protocols surrounding the operation of CNG buses in Canada. The focus now shifts to understanding the collision's underlying causes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
