50 Investigators Probe Deadly Fire at Canadian Military Base

Fifty investigators are probing a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta that killed four service members.

The incident also injured 39 service members, according to The Washington Post. Other reports state at least seven people were killed and dozens injured. The Canadian military stated an explosion and fire ignited within the training area on Saturday. Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed deaths and injuries, describing the situation as very, very active and delicate.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said a serious incident creating a major fire occurred. Fire crews tackled hotspots on Monday. The Royal Canadian Air Force parachuted troops into the base. One report, citing unnamed military sources, states at least seven were killed when a gas line or gas well was hit during a live-fire training exercise.

Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, said the number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are involved in the investigation. The base is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, near the town of Wainwright, which has about 7,000 residents.