A coach bus carrying members of the Canadian Armed Forces was destroyed by fire on Highway 401 west of Brighton on Tuesday evening, June 2, 2026.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., emergency services were dispatched to a bus fire in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 near the Lake Road overpass east of Cramahe Township.
Photos shared on social media appeared to show the fire originating near the rear wheels of the coach bus. An Ontario Provincial Police officer travelling westbound while escorting a person in custody noticed the fire and immediately pulled over. The officer and the bus driver attempted to extinguish the flames using a fire extinguisher, but were unable to stop the rapidly spreading fire.
The bus was carrying approximately 10 to 15 members of the Canadian Armed Forces, believed to be reservists, who were returning from Ottawa. One passenger indicated the group was returning from Latvia.
All occupants were able to safely evacuate the bus before the fire intensified. By the time firefighters arrived, the coach bus was fully engulfed in flames.
As crews battled the blaze, westbound Highway 401 traffic was shut down at County Road 30 in Brighton. Eastbound lanes were also temporarily closed in Cramahe Township as thick black smoke drifted across the highway, creating hazardous driving conditions.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control, and by approximately 10:20 p.m. the fire had been extinguished. Westbound traffic was slowly being allowed through on the left shoulder while crews continued working at the scene.
Tow companies were called in to remove the charred remains of the coach bus. Officials expected the cleanup operation to continue until at least midnight before the highway could fully reopen.
Military members were extremely grateful for members of the Brighton Fire Department for saving their belongings. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
