MUNA have confirmed that all three members are safe after their tour bus caught fire on the 5 Freeway in Burbank, California, on Monday 19 October 2026. The blaze broke out shortly after 8am local time, prompting a response from the Burbank Fire Department and California Highway Patrol.
The American indie-pop trio, comprising Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson, reassured fans that nobody had been injured, although several personal belongings were lost in the incident.
MUNA reassure fans after Los Angeles bus fire
MUNA addressed the incident on Instagram, sharing an image of the fire published by local news outlet KTLA and confirming that the band members had escaped unharmed.
Their caption read:
The band MUNA as seen on the news this morning.
Many personal items were lost but we’re all safe, thank goodness.
Emergency crews attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Reports indicated that no injuries had been recorded, while an investigation into the cause of the blaze was underway.
Although the band confirmed that everyone was safe, the loss of personal possessions added an unwelcome setback as they continued their touring schedule.
MUA prepare for UK and European tour dates
MUNA are scheduled to bring their Gets So Hot Tour to the UK and Europe in November. The bus fire comes during a demanding period for the group, who have also been navigating a difficult family bereavement.
No changes to the upcoming UK and European dates were confirmed in the information provided about the incident. Fans planning to attend should check the band’s official channels for any further updates.
Naomi McPherson missed early tour dates following mother’s death
Guitarist and vocalist Naomi McPherson sat out the opening dates of MUNA’s North American tour to spend time with their mother, Harriet, during her final days and subsequently take care of her affairs following her death.
On 15 September, the band explained that Harriet had been suffering from an aggressive, terminal form of cancer. The North American leg was due to begin in Philadelphia on 25 September, and the group made arrangements for the shows to proceed while McPherson remained at home.
In their statement, the band described the circumstances behind the decision:
Tragically, Naomi’s mother Harriet has been suffering for some time now from an extremely aggressive and terminal form of cancer that has escalated in severity over the past few weeks.
Now, it has become clear that her passing will coincide with the beginning of this headline tour.
Because of the terminal nature of her illness, Naomi has been at home with her for her final days and will be staying behind after we depart in order to take care of her affairs after her passing.
The band explained that McPherson wanted the tour to continue, even in their absence, and that arrangements were made to allow the performances to go ahead.
They also reflected on Harriet’s relationship with the group and the role music had played in her life.
When Naomi inevitably returns to the tour, they will do so with the knowledge that watching them play music is what filled Harriet with the most joy and pride. It is impossible to overstate the impact that Harriet has had on the band, and on our hearts and souls.
Lou Roy stepped in to cover for McPherson for several shows before the guitarist and vocalist returned to the tour.
Band thank fans for their support
MUNA acknowledged the emotional difficulty of performing without McPherson during the opening dates, describing the situation as one of the hardest experiences they had faced together.
The group also encouraged fans to show their support for McPherson, arranging for messages to be left at the merchandise stand at shows they missed.
Their statement continued:
Whilst talking about playing these shows without Naomi, one of the things that kept coming up was how this is a way for us to honor them and Harriet right now, and we also know and trust that fans will want to be together and show their love and support for our sweetest member.
If you are coming to one of the shows Naomi won’t be at and want to send them some extra love, we will have a letter drop for them at the merch stand.
