Multiple dead after explosion sparks ‘significant and tragic’ fire at Canadian military base

Multiple people have died and others left injured after an explosion at a Canadian military base.

The incident happened on Saturday inside the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, with sources telling Global News that at least seven people are dead. 

Sources also told the outlet that a live-fire training exercise was taking place and that they hit either a gas line or a gas well causing the explosion. 

The country’s defense minister David McGuinty said: ‘I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base.’

McGuinty did not provide casualty figures or details about what caused the incident. He said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation and described the situation as ‘very, very active and delicate.’

Prime Minister Mark Carney had earlier posted on X writing: ‘A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta. Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.

‘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.’

Dane Lloyd, an Alberta member of parliament, said in a post to his social media that ‘an explosion and fire has resulted in significant casualties’. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as ‘significant and tragic’ and said it was affecting many military personnel.

The base is near Wainwright, Alberta, a town about 112 miles southeast of Edmonton, the capital of the province.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said a serious incident caused the large scale blaze at the military base

Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton told CBC on Saturday night that due to the high number of patients being rushed to hospital they had been put into a disaster response protocol.

He told the outlet: ‘This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton and that is why we are clearing our decks and mobilizing to respond as if it was our own city.

‘It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster.’

The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base’s fence earlier Saturday and was spreading rapidly due to high winds. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding, and no evacuation order was in effect.

McGuinty said authorities were still working to determine what happened and expected to provide further information.

Smith thanked first responders and those providing care and support to those affected.

Canadian Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defense minister to offer support to those affected by the fire.

‘Pray for Wainwright, everyone,’ Poilievre said in a social media post. He urged people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.

Neither Carney nor Smith provided details about what caused the fire.

McGuinty added: ‘We will have more to say in the coming hours and days. At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event. 

‘And I want to thank, in particular, the first responders and everyone providing assistance at a very difficult time.’