Vehicle crashes into elementary school, catches fire in northwest Calgary

Calgary police are investigating after a vehicle crashed into an elementary school in the city’s northwest and caught fire overnight.

Police said they were called at around 2 a.m. Friday to reports of a single-vehicle collision at Belvedere Parkway School in Bowness.

When officers arrived, police said the driver had fled the scene but was found a short distance away. He was taken to hospital for minor injuries.

Police believe alcohol and speed are factors in the crash.

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In a letter sent to parents, the school principal said the vehicle caught fire, and officials have assessed the damage to the school.

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“While the exterior of our school will look noticeably different today, there will be no disruption in learning. Normal routines and classes will continue as usual while clean-up and repairs take place,” the letter read.

There was noticeable damage to a section of the playground at the school, which was taped off by police. A section of a wall of the school also had visible damaged.