WARMINGTON: CFB Wainwright explosion hits close to home with local soldier injured

A deadly fire broke out at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on Saturday afternoon following an explosion during a live-fire exercise. According to Global News, multiple military sources report that at least seven people have died and dozens more have been injured. The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed the fire ignited at approximately 4 p.m. MT on Saturday after an explosion, caused by the exercise, hit a gas line or gas well. The fire spread rapidly beyond the training area boundaries.

The scale of the event led to mass casualty measures being enacted at several Edmonton hospitals, with one doctor describing the situation as a disaster that occurs once every 15 to 25 years, according to the National Post. In a statement, Governor General Louise Arbour extended support to the military members, families, and the community affected by the tragedy.

The Toronto Sun reports that Cathy Keane, a candidate for mayor in Oro-Medonte, stated her eldest son was critically injured in the mass casualty event.

Brief written by urgent.news from Toronto Sun, National Post, Global News — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.