Deaths and injuries as a result of a fire resulting from a “serious accident” at a military base in western Canada

At least four people were killed and dozens of others were injured, following a fire that broke out at the Wainwright military base in western Canada, according to what Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Sunday.

The Canadian Prime Minister confirmed that the fire that broke out on Saturday was caused by a "serious accident," without providing details.

While Carney put the death toll as a result of the accident at four, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) had previously reported, citing unnamed sources, that at least seven people had died at the Wainwright military base.

The Canadian authorities said that the situation is evolving, indicating that they will not confirm the number of deaths until their families are informed.

“I regret to confirm that, up to this moment, four soldiers have lost their lives,” Carney said in a speech from Ottawa, adding that “dozens of others have been seriously injured.”

He announced that flags on federal buildings would be flown at half-mast in mourning for the victims.

On Saturday, Carney wrote on the X platform that “a serious accident caused a major fire” that occurred at the base.

The base is located in Alberta, about 200 kilometers southeast of Edmonton.

A doctor at an Edmonton hospital told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that health facilities in Wainwright were "completely exhausted" after receiving a large number of wounded.

Doctor Warren Thirsk continued: “The number is large... It is a disaster that only occurs once every 15 to 25 years.”

The municipality of Wainwright reported, in a post on social media platforms, that the fire “spread quickly due to strong winds,” before confirming later on Saturday that it was “under control,” while fire brigades are still monitoring the area.

Carney said the government is working closely with Alberta officials and local authorities.

He added on the X platform: “Our hearts are with all the brave women and men affected.”

"The worst conditions"

The Canadian Prime Minister described the incident as one of the worst incidents witnessed by the Canadian Armed Forces on the country's soil in peacetime.

Carney said military and civilian firefighting teams battled the blaze throughout the night, in "some of the worst conditions imaginable."

Carney said that air ambulances took off on Saturday from Edmonton and Saskatoon, which are about 300 kilometers from Wainwright, heading to the military base.

He pointed out that the injured are currently receiving treatment in Edmonton, Wainwright, Calgary and Red Deer hospitals.

1,310 military and civilian personnel have been stationed at Canadian Military Base Wainwright since 2021.

The base, which is among the largest and busiest in Canada, is located about 210 kilometers east of the city of Edmonton in the Alberta province.

The base includes the Maneuver Training Center and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Center, and is also a training ground for field army units stationed in Edmonton.

Canadian Defense Minister David McGinty said that he will go to Edmonton to learn about the latest developments.

The minister did not provide details about the number of victims or the initial cause of the fire, but he described the situation as “an active and sensitive situation,” stressing that an investigation into the incident would be opened soon.