A tragic incident on Highway 401 in London, Ontario, resulted in the death of a school bus driver and minor injuries to four children. The crash, a single-vehicle collision that occurred around 9:40 a.m., led to the closure of the highway’s westbound lanes. The bus veered off the highway, tipped over, and came to a stop, prompting a swift emergency response.
According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Const. Steven Duguay, 42 passengers were on board the school bus at the time of the accident. Four children were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, while sadly, the school bus driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 52-year-old man from the Waterloo region, lost his life in the crash.
Following the incident, a command center was set up at the East Lions Community Centre in southeast London to assist affected families. Parents were visibly emotional as they reunited with their children who were part of a Grade 9 class from Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School on a school trip to Point Pelee National Park.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic moments during and after the crash, with students describing the bus swerving before ending up in a ditch. While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, some reports suggest the driver may have experienced a medical emergency.
In response to the incident, the Waterloo Region District School Board is providing support to the students involved and their families. A second school bus carrying students from the same school was rerouted to ensure their safe return. The school board emphasized the importance of school bus safety and pledged to assist students in navigating through this challenging situation.
