At least seven people are reported to have died and others have been injured following an explosion at a Canadian military base in Alberta.
The incident took place during a live-fire training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, where sources said troops may have struck a gas line or gas well, triggering the blast.
Canada’s defence minister, David McGuinty, confirmed there had been fatalities and injuries but did not give figures or explain what caused the explosion.
“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” Mr McGuinty said.
He said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation and described the situation as “very, very active and delicate”.
Fire crews were battling a large blaze between the base and the nearby town of Wainwright. The fire crossed the base’s fence and spread rapidly in winds gusting at up to 62mph, according to the Municipal District of Wainwright.
Firefighters from several jurisdictions were sent to the scene. No evacuation order was in effect.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said a serious incident had caused a major fire at CFB Wainwright and that the federal government was working with the Alberta government and local authorities.
“Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,” he said.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as “significant and tragic”, saying it was affecting many military personnel. Alberta MP Dane Lloyd said the explosion and fire had resulted in “significant casualties”.
Hospitals in Edmonton activated a disaster response protocol as casualties were taken for treatment. Dr Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at Royal Alexandra Hospital, said the number of patients being brought in would overwhelm the city and that staff were mobilising accordingly.
“It is more patients than any of us want to count right now,” he said. “It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster.”
The RCMP said officers were called shortly after 4pm on Saturday following reports of a fire in a training area at the base.
Mr McGuinty said authorities were still establishing what had happened and would provide further information. He thanked first responders and those caring for people affected by the incident.
Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Mr Carney and the defence minister to offer his support. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance to Alberta, without specifying what resources would be deployed.
CFB Wainwright is near the town of Wainwright, about 112 miles south-east of Edmonton, the Alberta capital.
