Explosion During Training at Canadian Military Base; Reports Say at Least Seven Killed
Several people have been killed and dozens injured in a massive explosion during a live-fire training exercise at a Canadian military base, according to authorities and news reports.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in the province of Alberta. At around 4 p.m. local time, a fire broke out in the base's training area and, driven by strong winds, quickly spread beyond the base boundary into the surrounding rural area.
Canadian military and government officials have not yet officially confirmed the exact number of deaths. However, citing multiple military sources, the country's Global News reported that at least seven people were killed and dozens more injured.
According to the sources, a gas line or a gas well was struck during the live-fire training exercise, and that is where the explosion and fire originated. However, military officials said the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
At a press conference on Saturday night at the base, located near the town of Wainwright, Canada's National Defence Minister David McGuinty said, 'I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory.' Asked for details, he said only that the situation remained 'extremely active and sensitive.'
In a statement on Sunday morning, the Canadian government said the fire had spread rapidly beyond the boundary of the training area. Military and civilian emergency services quickly reached the scene and began work to control the fire and assist those affected.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media that his office was gathering information about the 'serious incident involving a large fire' at the base. He wrote, 'Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.' However, he gave no details about the cause.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also described the incident on social media as 'serious and tragic' and said many military members had been affected. She, too, said nothing about the cause.
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of NATO's Military Committee, wrote on social media on Sunday, 'Canada is not carrying this grief alone. The chiefs of defence of all 32 allied countries stand with you and with the Canadian Armed Forces.' He also said that it is at Wainwright that Canadian soldiers and members of many allied countries train for the most difficult tasks of the profession.
CFB Wainwright is one of Canada's largest and busiest military training bases. The Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre located there conducts realistic battlefield exercises.
The full picture of the incident will not be available until the investigation is complete. Treating the injured, fully bringing the fire under control, and identifying the dead and notifying their families are now the authorities' main tasks.
