How Did Multiple People Die in a Highway 401 Crash Near London, Ontario?

What happened on Highway 401 near London?

Multiple people died in a crash on Highway 401 outside London, Ontario, on the evening of Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Ontario Provincial Police confirmed that several people lost their lives in the collision, although the exact death toll was not confirmed in initial reporting.

The crash happened during the Tuesday evening rush hour on one of Canada's busiest motorways. Police said the sequence began with an earlier crash near Colonel Talbot Road, which left a passenger car stopped on the highway.

How the fatal collision unfolded

• A transport truck collided with the back of the stationary passenger car.
• The passenger vehicle caught fire after the impact.
• Police at the scene confirmed: "We do have some deceased."
• A second crash happened in the same area shortly afterwards, and about 20 minutes after the first closure, both directions of the highway were shut.

The eastbound lanes of Highway 401 between Iona Road and Colonel Talbot Road stayed closed overnight while police investigated.

Why the highway stayed closed

With two crashes in the same stretch and a fire to deal with, officers closed the road in both directions to let emergency crews work safely and to preserve the scene for investigators. Police asked drivers to be patient and said updates would follow as more information became available.

The closure of a major route like Highway 401 during the evening peak caused long delays, with traffic diverted around the closed section until the road could reopen.

Frequently asked questions

Where did the Highway 401 crash happen?

The fatal crash happened on Highway 401 outside London, Ontario, in Canada, near Colonel Talbot Road.

When did the crash happen?

The crash happened on the evening of Tuesday, 13 October 2026, during rush hour. Eastbound lanes were closed at around 4 p.m. local time.

How many people died in the crash?

Police confirmed that multiple people died, but the exact death toll was not confirmed in initial reporting. No specific number has been verified.

What caused the fatal crash?

According to police, a transport truck struck the back of a passenger car that was stationary on the highway because of an earlier crash. The car caught fire after the impact.

Was the highway closed after the crash?

Yes. Eastbound lanes were closed first, then both directions were shut after a second crash nearby. The eastbound lanes between Iona Road and Colonel Talbot Road stayed closed overnight.