Thousands of dollars have been raised through a GoFundMe for the family of a woman who died in the transit bus fire in northeast Calgary last week.
The multi-vehicle collision happened around 1:10 p.m. last Thursday, when a City of Calgary transit bus was travelling northbound in the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E., approaching the intersection of 80 Avenue N.E.
Calgary Police Service (CPS) say it believes that the bus struck a truck travelling in the same direction. The truck entered an adjacent lane, where it sideswiped an SUV before continuing forward and striking the rear of a box truck. The bus continued northbound and struck the rear of a sedan, pushing the vehicle through the intersection.
The sedan then travelled toward Saddletowne Circle N.E., where it struck a truck. Both vehicles eventually came to a rest. The bus continued northbound and struck the rear of a second City of Calgary transit bus. Both buses travelled a short distance following the collision before coming to a stop.
During the collision, the natural-gas tanks on the second bus ignited, and within seconds, the fire intensified, resulting in an explosion and significant fire inside the bus. Three passengers on the second bus were found deceased. As a result of the multi-vehicle collision, 16 people sustained minor injuries, including an officer.
A GoFundMe that was started over the weekend identifies one of the victims on the bus as Judith Ferrufino Martínez, describing her as a “beloved wife, devoted mother, and cherished person whose life was tragically taken too soon in the devastating bus accident in Calgary.”
Martínez had two children who, along with her husband, were an “important part of her life,” the GoFundMe stated.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we would like to come together to offer Judith’s family some comfort and practical support. The funds raised will help ease financial burdens and assist with essential expenses as her husband cares for their children and begins to navigate this new chapter of life without her,” the campaign added.
As of writing, more than $2,600 has been raised across dozens of donations. The GoFundMe has a goal of $6,500.
GoFundMe
You can view the GoFundMe for Martínez’s family online.
The CPS said that, as of last Friday, it was still too early to determine whether impairment, speed, or distraction contributed to the collision. All possible factors remain under investigation.