At Least Seven Feared Dead, Dozens Injured in Explosion and Fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta

At least seven people are reported killed and dozens more injured in an explosion and fire at a military base in Canada’s Alberta on Saturday. “I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident” at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Defence Minister David McGuinty told reporters in Ottawa.

The cause of the explosion is not yet clear. McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are involved in the investigation and described the situation as “very, very active and delicate.” He added that he “cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory.”

Rescue operations under way

The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities are carrying out rescue operations together, McGuinty said.

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is located about 180 kilometres (112 miles) southeast of Edmonton. It is one of the country’s busiest military training bases and is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises.

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Fire crosses base boundary

According to the Municipal District of Wainwright, the fire at the base crossed its boundary earlier on Saturday and was spreading rapidly due to high winds. No evacuation order has been issued.

Prime Minister responds

“Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media post. “We are working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities. Premier Smith and I are in close contact as are our relevant ministers and officials,” he added.