Military officials say the four soldiers killed during training at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday were overtaken by a ‘violent, fast-moving fire,’ fanned by high winds.
Thirty-nine other soldiers were sent to hospital, 19 of whom are in critical condition.
Information on the tragedy, which Prime Minister Mark Carney called the most serious incident affecting the Canadian Armed Forces on Canadian soil in peace time, was released by Major General Wade Rutland on Sunday.
Officials were aware of the fire beforehand, but it was not considered to be a threat – that was until a sudden windstorm blew the flames towards the soldiers who were training in the area from all over Canada.
The victims have been identified as Sergeant Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Private Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Private Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, British Columbia and Private Aiden Goulding of North Vancouver.
An investigation is underway.
Earlier story
Prime Minister Mark Carney providing an update on the tragedy at CFB Wainwright (CPAC)
The Prime Minister says four service members were killed, and dozens more were injured in a massive fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta yesterday.
Mark Carney called it “one of the worse tragedies” the Canadian Armed Forces have suffered on Canadian soil in peace time.
He has requested a formal briefing on the situation be provided by DND officials and the Minister of Defence this afternoon.
All government flags have been lowered to half-staff in mourning for the losses.
Flags have also been lowered across the province.
Earlier story
There are “multiple” fatalities and injuries at CFB Wainwright in Alberta after a fire and explosion in the training area of the military base.
The fire started at about 4:00pm Saturday local time and quickly spread.
The full extent of the impact remains unknown.
The fire is now under control but we do not have any numbers on fatalities and injuries. The hospital in Wainwright and hospitals in the City of Edmonton, about 200km away, are said to be overwhelmed.
DND says there are no indications that the incident was the result of any kind of terrorist activity.
A statement issued by the Department of National Defence this morning:
A statement from the Department of National Defence
CFB Wainwright, Alberta (Google Earth)
Prime Minister Mark Carney says his thoughts are with the “brave women and men” at CFB Wainwright.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta officials are working closely with the Prime Minister’s Office as details of the extent of the disaster emerge.
Defence Minister David McGuinty (CPAC)
Defence Minister David McGuinty provided an update last night, confirmed fatalities and injuries, but was unable to provide any more specifics. Calling the situation “active and delicate”, he says he can’t recall something of this nature in his recent memory. McGuinty says more information on what happened will be provided as it becomes available.
Premier Tony Wakeham says people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are thinking of the Canadian Armed Forces and those affected by the incident.
