Canada military base fire live: Multiple deaths and injuries after explosion sparks disaster in Alberta

Canada military base fire live: Multiple deaths and injuries after explosion sparks disaster in Alberta Defence minister David McGuinty describes the situation as ‘very, very active and delicate’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Several people have been killed or injured at a military base in Canada after a major fire broke out, the nation’s defence minister said. Emergency services were called shortly after 4pm on Saturday after the blaze erupted at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, which is one of the country’s busiest training grounds. Defence Minister David McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in investigating the incident and described the situation as "very, very active and delicate." Local media has reported seven deaths and dozens more injured. A doctor at a hospital in the city of Edmonton, 180 km (120 miles) northwest, told Canada's national broadcaster that patients were being brought to hospitals across the city as health-care facilities around the base became "completely overwhelmed" by the number of people needing care. "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,” Dr Warren Thirsk said. Prime minister Mark Carney said that a "serious incident creating a major fire" had occurred, adding that his "thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected". PM Mark Carney says 'thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected' Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney has said a “serious incident” has occurred at the Wainwright military base, and that he is working closely with the government of Alberta. In a post on social media, he said: “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.” 'Fatalities and injuries' confirmed by Canadian Armed Forces The Canadian Armed Forces have confirmed that the incident has resulted in “fatalities and injuries” but said there would be no further information until they had informed the next of kin of the deceased. “Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin. We will not confirm casualty or injury details until that process is complete,” the CAF said in its statement. General Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, said: “This is a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian Armed Forces. “Our immediate focus remains on supporting those affected, assisting emergency response efforts, and ensuring the well-being of our members, their families, and the surrounding community,” said Carignan. “While casualty identification and notification processes are ongoing, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives. Our thoughts are also with all those impacted by this tragic incident.” Incident is a 'one in every 15 to 25-year disaster', doctor says While it is not immediately clear how many people have been killed or injured, a doctor at a hospital in the city of Edmonton, 180 km (120 miles) northwest, told Canada's national broadcaster that patients were being brought to hospitals across the city as health-care facilities around the base became "completely overwhelmed" by the number of people needing care. "This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton," Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, told CBC News. "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." Multiple people killed and injured in major blaze at Alberta military base Several people have been killed and injured in a major incident at a military base in Alberta after a major fire broke out, while reports said that large numbers of injured people were being transported to hospitals. Fire crews scrambled late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area. Emergency services were called at around 4pm on Saturday (10pm GMT) with the fire spreading rapidly and local hospitals overwhelmed. Canadian TV network Global News reports that at least seven people have been killed, citing unnamed military sources. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments