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 led to the closure of the highway between Veteran’s Memorial Parkway and Highbury Avenue for several hours, with the police reopening the lanes around 4:30 p.m.

The single-vehicle collision occurred at approximately 9:40 a.m., according to OPP Const. Steven Duguay. The bus, carrying 42 passengers, tipped over after leaving the highway, causing injuries to four individuals who were taken to the hospital. The driver, a 52-year-old man from the Waterloo region, was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with police refraining from releasing the driver’s name at this time. Following the incident, a command center was established at the East Lions Community Centre in southeast London, where emotional reunions took place between parents and children.

The school bus was transporting Grade 9 students from Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School to Point Pelee National Park for a school trip. Witnesses described the chaotic moments during and after the crash, with students helping each other evacuate the bus.

While details about the exact cause of the crash remain unclear, some witnesses suggested that the driver may have experienced a medical emergency. Authorities emphasized that it is too early to determine the precise circumstances leading to the bus leaving the road.

Parents and school board officials are advocating for enhanced school bus safety measures following the incident. The Waterloo Region District School Board is providing support to the affected students and families, coordinating their safe return and offering assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the crash.