truck fire 401

Terrifying truck fire closes down Toronto highway

A transport truck carrying two tanks of fuel burst into flames on the 401 near Leslie Wednesday morning, halting all eastbound traffic right in the middle of rush hour. 

Toronto Police say that a fire broke out in the truck’s cab around 8:30 a.m. for reasons that are still unknown. By the time  emergency crews arrived to the scene, the cab was "fully engulfed" in flames. 

Fortunately, Toronto firefighters extinguished the blaze before it hit the truck’s highly flammable cargo.

Commuters were stuck in traffic for about an hour before police partially reopened some eastbound express and collector lanes on Highway 401 - but it could have been much, much worse. 

Video footage shared by drivers on Twitter  shows what could have turned into an explosive situation, had firefighters not acted so fast. 

Police say that no fuel was spilled in the incident, and, miraculously, no injuries have been reported. 

The eastbound 401 is still partially closed at Bayview while OPP officers remain on scene, so avoid the area if you’re in a hurry. 

Lead photo by

Tabish


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2024 in Toronto

The breathtaking Mast Trail in Toronto follows a 200-year-old logging route

Moore Park Ravine is an escape from the city in midtown Toronto

The history of what was once Toronto's grandest mansion

This is how Toronto celebrated Victoria Day over 100 years ago

You can take in breathtaking valley views along the Vista Rouge Trail in Toronto

Downsview Park in Toronto is a massive urban park around an artificial lake

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years