Blast and fire at military base

An explosion erupted Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, igniting a massive fire fanned by high winds that spread into the surrounding rural area.

At least four service members killed

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said at least four service members were killed in the blast and subsequent violent fire, with dozens more seriously wounded.

“at least four service members were killed in the blast and subsequent "violent fire,"”

One of worst peacetime tragedies

Prime Minister Carney called the incident one of the worst tragedies for the Canadian Armed Forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.

“one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime”

Higher death toll reported

Global News reported citing multiple military sources that at least seven people were killed and dozens more were injured in the incident.

Incident occurred during training exercise

Multiple Canadian Armed Forces sources told Global News the explosion happened during a live-fire training exercise when a gas line or gas well was struck and ignited.

Cause under investigation

Military officials said the cause of the explosion is under investigation. The Canadian Department of National Defense stated there are no indications it was the result of any terrorist activity.

Fire spread beyond training area

The fire erupted around four pm local time Saturday within the training area and spread rapidly beyond its boundaries. Military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control the fire.

NATO allies express solidarity

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragon, chair of the NATO Military Committee, said all thirty-two Allied Chiefs of Defense stand with Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces in their grief.

“Canada does not carry this grief alone. All 32 Allied Chiefs of Defense stand with you and the Canadian Armed Forces.”