Driver Dead, 4 Students Hospitalized After School Bus Carrying 40 Students Rolls Over on Highway 401 Near London, Ont.

LONDON, ONTARIO · November 2025 — A tragic accident on Highway 401 near London, Ontario, has left one person dead and several students injured after a school bus carrying high school students rolled into a ditch Monday morning.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the bus was carrying 42 passengers — 40 of them students from the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) when the crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. The driver of the bus was pronounced dead at the scene, while four students were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics, and OPP officers, arrived within minutes of receiving multiple 911 calls from passing motorists. The crash prompted a temporary closure of the westbound lanes of Highway 401 between Colonel Talbot Road and Wonderland Road as investigators examined the wreckage.

Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene

Several students on board described the horrifying moment the bus veered off the highway and overturned.

“We suddenly went into the ditch — everyone fell on me because I was on the side that hit the ground,” said Maddie, one of the students on the bus. “It felt like we hit something before we rolled.”

Police evidence markers were later seen near a destroyed temporary construction sign, which investigators believe the bus may have struck before the rollover.

Possible Medical Emergency Investigated

Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash but say they are considering the possibility that the driver may have suffered a medical emergency.

“At this stage, we can’t confirm if it was a medical episode or mechanical issue,” said Sgt. Ed Duguay of the OPP. “It’s too early to say exactly what transpired. Our reconstruction team is working to piece together what led to this tragedy.”

School Board Responds

The Waterloo Region District School Board confirmed that the bus was en route to a school event when it crashed. In a written statement, the board said staff have been in contact with parents, families, and caregivers of all students who were on board.

“Our immediate priority is ensuring the well-being of our students and families,” said Scott Miller, Director of Education for the WRDSB. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of the driver and are grateful that our students are safe and receiving care.”

A second school bus carrying additional students from Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School (KCI) was rerouted back to the school following the accident. The board also announced that mental health supports and counseling services will be available to students affected by the incident.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

Parents and community members have expressed grief and concern following the crash, calling for renewed discussions on school bus safety standards and driver health checks.

“We just need to really be looking at the safe ways that we can get our kids to these educational experiences,” said Linnea, the mother of two students who were on the bus but escaped serious injury.

Police continue to investigate the crash and have not yet released the identity of the driver pending notification of next of kin.

The OPP Collision Reconstruction Unit is expected to provide a detailed report once the investigation is complete.

By Canada Today Staff
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