A major collision involving a school bus has triggered a complete shutdown of Highway 401 westbound near London, Ontario, creating chaos during the Thursday morning commute.
The incident occurred around 8:30 AM between Colonel Talbot Road and Middlesex County Road 17, bringing one of Canada's busiest highways to a standstill. Multiple emergency vehicles, including Ontario Provincial Police, fire crews, and paramedics, rushed to the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance.
Traffic Gridlock Across the Region
The closure has created a domino effect of traffic disruptions throughout the London area. Westbound traffic is being forced off the highway at Colonel Talbot Road, while eastbound lanes remain open but are experiencing significant slowdowns as rubberneckers slow to view the scene.
Motorists are facing extensive delays and are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has deployed variable message signs to warn approaching drivers about the closure well in advance.
School Bus Safety Under Scrutiny
While details about injuries remain limited, the involvement of a school bus has raised concerns among parents and community members. Authorities have not yet released information about the number of students on board or their conditions.
This incident marks another safety concern for Ontario's transportation infrastructure, coming at a time when highway safety and school bus protocols are already under increased public scrutiny.
Investigators remain on scene working to determine the cause of the collision and clear the wreckage. There is currently no estimated time for reopening the affected section of Highway 401.
