Explosion Kills and Injures Multiple at Canadian Military Base
A blast during a live-fire training exercise at CFB Wainwright triggered a large fire, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Multiple people were killed and dozens more were injured when an explosion occurred Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta province. The blast ignited a large fire that spread from the military facility into the surrounding rural area.
Authorities have not yet released an official count of fatalities or injuries. However, Global News, citing multiple military sources, reported Sunday that at least seven people died and dozens were wounded.
Canadian Minister of National Defense David McGuinty stated during a press conference at the base that he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, and McGuinty described the situation as "very, very active and delicate."
Sources within the Canadian Armed Forces told Global News that the incident occurred during a live-fire training exercise, suggesting a gas line or well may have been struck and ignited. The fire began around 4 p.m. local time on Saturday within the training area.
"The fire spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area, while military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control that fire and to support those affected by this tragic event," the Canadian government said in a statement released Sunday morning.
Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the "serious incident that triggered a large-scale fire" and expressed his thoughts for those affected. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also commented on the "significant and tragic" incident impacting military personnel. Neither official provided details on the cause.
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, offered solidarity, stating, "Canada does not carry this grief alone. All 32 Allied Chiefs of Defense stand with you and the Canadian Armed Forces." He added that those who died served common security and that the Military Committee would honor their memory.
CFB Wainwright is one of Canada's largest military training bases, hosting the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises.