4 Service Members Killed, Dozens Injured in Fire at Canadian Army Base as Hospitals Strain

Fire spreads beyond the base

The military said Sunday there was no indication the incident involved terrorism, but investigators had not established its cause. Defense Minister David McGuinty described the situation as “very, very active and delicate,” and said police were involved in the investigation.

Casualties and families

The exact number of injured people was not immediately clear. The Canadian Armed Forces said it would withhold casualty figures until relatives had been informed, adding that the full impact was still being assessed.

Hospitals face heavy demand

Patients were taken to hospitals across Edmonton after health facilities near the base became overwhelmed, a doctor told Canada's national broadcaster. Dr. Warren Thirsk of Royal Alexandra Hospital told CBC News that the number of patients would overwhelm the city and called it a disaster.

Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said the town's small hospital was not equipped for a mass-casualty incident, while praising local medical staff. Helicopters and planes were transporting patients elsewhere, he said.

Officials await further details

McGuinty said he was traveling to Edmonton on Sunday for a briefing and that the military was coordinating with Alberta's government and local authorities. He said officials were still working to determine what had happened and expected to provide more information.

Carney said federal buildings across Canada would fly flags at half-staff to honor those affected. The military said the situation remained under assessment as authorities continued their response.