4 killed, dozens injured in Canadian military base fire

A deadly explosion and fast-moving fire at a Canadian military base killed four service members and hospitalized 39 others Saturday afternoon. Fanned by 60 mph wind gusts, the massive fire erupted during a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright before spreading into the surrounding rural district. During a joint briefing, Defense Minister David McGuinty stated he could not recall a similar military disaster in recent memory, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirmed that at least 19 of the hospitalized victims remain in critical condition. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the deadly base fire one of Canada's worst peacetime military tragedies, ordering federal flags to fly at half-staff as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and military officials continue to investigate the cause of the disaster.