Four service members have been killed and dozens seriously wounded in an incident that caused a major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
The incident happened on Saturday at the military base, about 112 miles south-east of Edmonton. The cause has not been disclosed.
Patients were taken to hospitals across Edmonton after healthcare facilities closer to the base became “completely overwhelmed”, according to Dr Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
“This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton,” Dr Thirsk told Canada’s national broadcaster. “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.”
Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed that there had been fatalities and injuries, describing the investigation as “very, very active and delicate”. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are involved in establishing what happened.
“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.
Firefighters faced difficult conditions as strong winds swept across parts of Alberta, with gusts of up to 100 kilometres an hour toppling trees, sending signs flying and pushing bins along streets.
By 11pm, the Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire was being held and that property and critical infrastructure had been protected. No evacuation order had been issued for local residents.
General Jennie Carignan, chief of the Canadian Armed Forces’ defence staff, said the military was working with federal, provincial and local authorities, adding that the welfare of service members, their families and the community remained the priority.
Mr Carney said he had requested a detailed account and formal briefing from senior officials at the scene. He said the federal government was working closely with Alberta officials and local authorities, while Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as “significant and tragic”.
The nearby community of Wainwright provided hospital and firefighting support. Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken to the prime minister and defence minister, offering support to those affected and urging people to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is one of the country’s busiest military training bases. It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre.
Mr McGuinty said authorities expected to provide further information as the investigation continued. “We will have more to say in the coming hours and days,” he said.
