A commercial truck transporting a load of gravel became engulfed in flames on a major Ontario highway Monday morning, leading to lane closures and traffic delays. The incident occurred on the shoulder of the southbound lanes of Highway 400 near Aurora, Ontario.
Emergency Response and Scene Details
The fire erupted on Monday, December 1, 2025. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and local fire services responded swiftly to the emergency call. Dramatic images shared by the OPP on social media platform X showed significant flames and smoke billowing from the large vehicle. The driver was able to exit the truck safely, and no injuries were reported in connection with the blaze.
Impact on Traffic and Commuters
The fire and subsequent emergency operations caused major disruptions during the morning commute. At least one southbound lane was closed for several hours to allow crews to extinguish the fire and begin cleanup. This led to considerable traffic backups, with motorists advised to seek alternate routes or expect lengthy delays. The cause of the fire is under investigation by authorities.
Cleanup and Investigation Ongoing
Following the extinguishing of the fire, cleanup crews worked to remove the damaged vehicle and any spilled material from the highway shoulder. The OPP continues to investigate the origin of the fire. Incidents like this serve as a reminder for commercial drivers and motorists about the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and safety checks, especially before long hauls.
Highway 400 is a critical transportation corridor connecting Toronto to Northern Ontario, and any incident can have a ripple effect on regional traffic. Officials have not provided an estimated time for when all lanes would fully reopen and normal traffic flow would resume.