Amidst their Summer European tour, popular metal band Killswitch Engage encountered a close call on August 25, 2023, as their tour bus collided with an elk while en route to the Dalhalla Brinner Metal Festival in Rattvik, Sweden.
Lead vocalist Jesse Leach took to social media to share the harrowing incident with their fans. Leach confirmed that despite the severity of the accident, none of the band members sustained injuries. However, their bus driver wasn’t as fortunate, suffering torn ligaments and significant shock from the crash.
In a heartfelt post, Leach reflected on the unexpected collision and uploaded a video showcasing the extensive damage inflicted upon their tour bus. He emphasized the uncertainty of life’s trajectory and encouraged everyone to appreciate each moment.
“This is the scene I woke up to yesterday morning around 6am. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. Our driver Tom sustained some torn ligaments and was shaken up for sure but he is ok. The majestic Moose (*correction an ELK) that collided with our bus however did not fare so well sadly,” he said.
The shared video displayed the tour bus with a shattered windscreen, underscoring the potentially fatal nature of the incident. Leach contemplated the sacrifices inherent in a musician’s life on the road and the mixture of triumph and hardship it entails.
“The cost can be high when living this life. The moments of beauty and triumph can be suddenly interrupted by suffering and loss. It’s a constant balance of trust, hope and keeping anxieties at bay. We carry on somehow, someway and we count our losses with our gains and we make it all make sense so we can do what we do out here on the road,” Leach wrote.
Expressing his gratitude for the band’s support network and fans, Leach urged understanding for the challenges that often accompany touring. He extended his sympathies to those who have experienced losses while traveling and offered solace to anyone affected:
“Grateful for my friends and chosen family out here. Grateful we are all ok and able to continue on. My deepest sympathies to anyone who’s lost a loved one or had to suffer because the road came to collect. I prayed and sat with my fear yesterday. Just so grateful it wasn’t worse than it could’ve been. Don’t take life for granted you never know what tomorrow holds for you.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life on the road, even for renowned artists like Killswitch Engage, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
