Major Accident 5th Ave Downtown - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

ken0042 · 08-09-2006, 04:40 PM

After hearing no fewer than 12 emergency vehicles go by one of my co-workers went down to investigate. Apparently there is a major crash on 5th ave SW around 6th or 5th street SW.

Rumour is a bunch of people waiting for the bus were injured.

If you have another way of getting home, it might be wise to do so.

Calgary Flames · 08-09-2006, 04:44 PM

That's kinda scary. I went to that bus stop every day when I went home from SAIT.

ken0042 · 08-09-2006, 05:03 PM

Update: 5th ave is now closed at 6th street. Police are diverting traffic onto 6th street.

Five-hole · 08-09-2006, 05:06 PM

Awesome. Rubbernecking digital-style.

I-Hate-Hulse · 08-09-2006, 05:14 PM

The Herald's breaking news story:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/stoy.html?id=a59c0f64-ecb8-4757-8eea-9558580fe102&k=0

Man I go by that every day on my walk to work...

Lucky boy · 08-09-2006, 05:22 PM

Yikes, right in front of where I work. Apparently the crash happened at approx 4:30, I left work a little early today at 4:10.

Engine09 · 08-09-2006, 05:25 PM

Damn. My girlfriend heads home from 5th Ave everyday on the bus, almost had a heartattack when I read that. Just talked to her, she's fine.

I just home that person pulls through. This is horrible.

KevanGuy · 08-09-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

I used to work there too.
Right by the pita basket?

Yeah, wow. Glad I stayed home today. I drive by that corner around 4:30 everyday.

KevanGuy · 08-09-2006, 05:47 PM

Police Press Release

Just after 16:00 this afternoon, during a time of heavy
commuter traffic, a car went out of control at 6th Street and
5th Avenue SW. The Calgary Fire Department, EMS, and CPS
were quickly on scene.

The car left the road at 639 - 5th Avenue and came to an
abrupt stop at 605 - 5th Avenue. In the span of
approximately 73 metres, the car contacted newspaper boxes,
parking meters, a tree, and plowed through bus stops.
The car made contact with buildings on the south side of 5th
Avenue approximately 6 times.

The Fire Department's incident command reported eight
pedestrian injuries, including five patients transported to
various hospitals. At least one of those patients has
sustained serious injuries. This individual is believed to
have been a cyclist in the path of the out of control car.

The vehicle had only one male occupant who was not seriously
injured and conscious following the incident. The Fire
Department had twelve firefighters on scene to help with
patient care, assist with traffic control, assess the
structural integrity of the buildings, and clean up debris
which is spread for approximately one-half of a block.

It is expected that east bound traffic on 5th Avenue will be
affected for quite some time. Currently, CPS is allowing
Transit buses through the scene.

SeeGeeWhy · 08-09-2006, 05:50 PM

I walked by it on the way home around 5:00 and it still did not look good. The car was absolutely piled into the side of the building...

I sure hope everyone comes out okay. I don't know what happened, maybe the driver was suffering from a stroke/heart attack/seizure??

At any rate, its just terrible.

Lucky boy · 08-09-2006, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

I used to work there too.
Right by the pita basket?

Right infront of the Sunlife building. To be exact, the bus stop between there and the coffee time shop right beside it.

From what was said on the news, apparently the car went on the side walk after the intersection and eventually hit the building right before the +15 walkway

I am pretty sure that it didn't happen right after 4:00pm as the police report says. I crossed the street at around 4:05-4:10 and everything was okay.

Lucky boy · 08-09-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Do you mean the standard life building?

opps, my bad. good catch

Resolute 14 · 08-09-2006, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

I wonder if it was one of those ######bags that drive WAY TOO fast on crowded roads.

Indeed. Wiped out two bus shelters, a cyclist and hit buildings six times. You dont hit that many things by doing 50kph down that road. If I had a guess, it was one of those a-holes trying to slalom around traffic to get home nine seconds sooner and lost control.

Two people in critical condition according to CFCN. The people in the shelters must have been sitting ducks...

Resolute 14 · 08-09-2006, 06:21 PM

CFCN suggested the car hit a bus shelter... I rarely go downtown, so I, and they, may be wrong.

STeeLy · 08-09-2006, 06:21 PM

I was walking on the plus 15 across 5th ave at about 4:45 today... all I saw was a bunch of flashing lights, a bunch of people and no traffic... 5th ave was empty...

I contemplated about going to that bus stop to catch the 142 home... but instead I decided to go grab something to eat in Chinatown. I'm glad I didn't go there...

Anyway, I hope everyone is fine, best of wishes to the injured.

Superflyer · 08-09-2006, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeeye

CFCN suggested the car hit a bus shelter... I rarely go downtown, so I, and they, may be wrong.

There is just a bench with the pole, this is the stop that I get off at every morning.

Engine09 · 08-10-2006, 12:49 AM

People need to calm the f down with the driving.

The driver might have had a medical condition, but I'm betting he was speeding and weaving through traffic, then hit the curb and lost control while talking on his cell.

Flash Walken · 08-10-2006, 05:31 AM

I ****ing love cars so much, i wish there was more of them around.

Superflyer · 08-10-2006, 08:02 AM

I just walked by this area and there is no way he was doing 50. He went for about half a block and I counted about 4 places that he hit and he hit them good. I hope everyone is OK.