A dramatic vehicle fire brought traffic to a standstill on one of Canada's busiest highways Thursday morning, forcing the temporary closure of westbound collector lanes on Highway 401 in Scarborough.
The incident occurred near Morningside Avenue during the morning rush hour, creating significant delays for commuters heading into Toronto. Ontario Provincial Police responded to the emergency around 8:30 AM, closing multiple lanes to allow fire crews access to the burning vehicle.
Emergency crews worked quickly to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading and ensuring no injuries were reported. The intense flames and thick smoke created a dramatic scene that caught the attention of passing motorists, many of whom captured the incident on their phones.
By approximately 10:15 AM, police confirmed that all westbound collector lanes had been reopened to traffic. However, the closure during peak travel times created a ripple effect across the highway network, with significant backups extending several kilometers.
The quick response by emergency services prevented what could have been an even more disruptive situation on the critical transportation artery. Highway 401 through Toronto is consistently ranked as one of the busiest highways in North America, making any closure during rush hour particularly challenging for the thousands of daily commuters.
Cleanup crews remained on scene to assess any damage to the roadway and ensure the area was safe for all vehicles. Police have not yet released details about the cause of the fire or the type of vehicle involved.
