LANCO Survives Bus Fire in Iowa

Country music group's tour bus catches fire, but all members escape safely

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:10am

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The members of country music group LANCO survived a harrowing experience when their tour bus caught fire early Monday morning while the band was en route to Nashville from a show in Des Moines, Iowa. The group's bus driver was able to escape the fire with only minor injuries, and while the band's equipment trailer survived, they did lose some instruments when the bus was engulfed in flames.

Why it matters

Tour bus fires are a serious safety concern for musicians and crews who spend extensive time on the road. This incident highlights the risks they face, as well as the importance of quick thinking and preparedness when emergencies occur.

The details

After wrapping a show in Des Moines, the band was forced to pull over around 4 a.m. due to a nearby snowstorm. The group decided to stay in a hotel for the night, but the bus driver opted to stay behind on the bus. The driver later awoke to the bus on fire in the early morning hours of Monday.

  • The bus fire occurred around 4 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The band had just finished a show in Des Moines, Iowa the previous night.

The players

LANCO

A country music group known for hits like "Greatest Love Story" and "Hallelujah Nights".

Brandon Lancaster

The lead singer of LANCO.

Willie Tate

A show opener who was also on the bus.

Dawson Anderson

A show opener who was also on the bus.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a surreal 18 hours honestly, and we are so thankful that everyone on board is safe and sound. It was a very scary situation and I can't imagine what would have happened if we all decided to sleep on the bus. I know God was watching over us.”

— Brandon Lancaster, Lead singer of LANCO (Billboard)

What’s next

The group is still in Pella, Iowa, and their next tour date is scheduled for March 26 in St. Augustine, Florida.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks musicians and crews face on the road, and the importance of safety protocols and quick thinking when emergencies occur. It also highlights the resilience of LANCO, who are thankful that all members escaped the fire unharmed.