An explosion and subsequent fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta have resulted in fatalities and injuries among military personnel.
What happened
A live-fire training exercise is believed to have hit a gas line or gas well on the base, causing the explosion, which then led to a major fire that spread beyond the base due to high winds.
Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed that there have been both fatalities and injuries, describing the situation as "very, very active and delicate". The exact number of casualties has not been officially released, but reports suggest at least seven people are dead and dozens more injured.
Local hospitals are reportedly full, with some patients being treated for burns. The nearby school has also been used to accommodate the large number of injured personnel.
The Canadian Armed Forces, along with federal, provincial, and local crews, are coordinating the response to the incident. The cause of the explosion is still unclear, and an investigation is likely to follow.
