Edmonton, Canada, October 18 (TNA) Several people have been killed and others injured after a serious incident triggered a major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Canadian officials said. Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed that there had been both fatalities and injuries at the base. He did not disclose the number of people killed or hurt, saying the situation remained “very active and delicate”.
The incident took place at CFB Wainwright, a major military training facility located southeast of Edmonton. Reports indicated that an explosion may have preceded the fire, although authorities had not confirmed the exact sequence of events.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as serious and said a major fire had broken out at the base. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called it a significant and tragic event affecting military personnel.
High winds caused the fire to spread rapidly beyond the base and into the surrounding Municipal District of Wainwright, officials said. Emergency crews were deployed to contain the blaze and monitor the affected area.
High winds caused the fire to spread rapidly beyond the base and into the surrounding Municipal District of Wainwright, officials said. Emergency crews were deployed to contain the blaze and monitor the affected area.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation. Defence officials said safety and security remained their highest priority while emergency responders worked at the scene. Officials have not yet released details about the cause of the incident, the number of casualties, the identities of those affected or the extent of damage to the military facility.
Authorities are expected to provide further information after the site is secured, and initial investigations are completed.