A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when a school bus veered off the westbound lanes of Highway 401 in London, Ont., resulting in the death of the bus driver and minor injuries to four children. The crash prompted the closure of the highway between Veteran’s Memorial Parkway and Highbury Avenue for several hours, with the road reopening later in the day.
According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Const. Steven Duguay, the single-vehicle collision took place around 9:40 a.m., causing the bus to tip over and come to a stop. Of the 42 passengers on board, four children were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while sadly, the school bus driver succumbed to the accident.
The driver, a 52-year-old man from the Waterloo region, has not been publicly identified by the authorities. The cause of the crash, which involved a Grade 9 class from Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School on a school trip to Point Pelee National Park, remains under investigation.
Witnesses described chaotic moments inside the bus as it swerved and ultimately ended up in a ditch. While some students reported seeing wood flying and feeling the impact, others mentioned a potential medical emergency experienced by the driver. Police have refrained from speculating on the exact cause pending further investigation.
Families were reunited at the East Lions Community Centre in London following the incident, with emotional scenes as parents picked up their children. The Waterloo Region District School Board is assisting affected families and students, ensuring their safe return and offering support during this challenging time.