At least seven are killed after an explosion sparks a huge wind-whipped fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta
A live-fire training exercise reportedly struck a gas line or well at CFB Wainwright, triggering the blast on Saturday afternoon. Gusts of up to 100km/h drove the flames through the base fence and into the surrounding district. Hospitals in Edmonton, 120 miles away, took the wounded after Wainwright's health centre was overwhelmed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said: 'I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory.'
Dr Warren Thirsk called it 'a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster' as casualties poured in.
Officials said the fire was being held by 11pm, with no evacuation order for Wainwright's 7,000 residents.
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The IndependentEverything we know as several killed or injured in major fire at Canadian military baseMetroAt least seven killed in explosion at Canadian military baseThe TelegraphSeven killed in explosion at Canada military baseLBCFatalities reported in “disaster” fire at Canadian military baseThe Sun'At least 7 dead' and dozens wounded in 'serious incident' at military baseThe IndependentMany deaths and injuries as ‘very active’ incident sparks fire at Canadian baseBBC NewsDeadly fire breaks out at Canada military baseGB NewsMultiple fatalities reported after 'one in every 15 to 25-year disaster' at major Canadian military baseDaily Mail NewsMultiple dead after 'explosion' sparks fire at Canadian military base as responders rush to fight the flamesThe Guardian‘Serious incident’ at Alberta military base causes deaths and injuries, Canada officials sayFox NewsFatalities, injuries reported at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta after 'incident' that sparked fireReutersSerious incident at Canada military base in Alberta causes major fire, Carney says
