Twenty-seven soldiers injured in CFB Wainwright fire remain in hospital: Premier Smith

Of the 39 soldiers rushed to hospital after a deadly fire hit CFB Wainwright, 27 remain in hospital, Premier Danielle Smith announced Tuesday.

In a televised address, before commenting on Monday night’s 10-question referendum, Smith spoke of the “four brave young soldiers who paid the ultimate price, preparing to defend our country.”

“These men will forever be heroes of Canada,” Smith said.

“I also provided an update to the Prime Minister earlier today about the 27 soldiers who continue to receive care in our hospitals.”

Pte. Aidan Goulding, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Hayden Lykkemark with 3PPCLI and Sgt. Morgan Wong with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment were killed during a training exercise Saturday when a brush fire swept into the area of the base where the company was operating.

Thirty emergency units, including 22 ambulances, six planes and two helicopters, took the injured to hospitals in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer.

“I want to assure those injured soldiers, their friends, families, and Canadians nationwide that these courageous heroes are receiving the highest level of care from Alberta’s very best health care professionals,” Smith said.

“And, as a government, we will make absolutely certain they and their families are supported with every means at our disposal for the duration of their treatment and recovery. We will never forget their sacrifice.”

Smith also extended thanks to “first responders and health-care professionals” for their response to the mass casualty event.

The soldiers were training in advance of deployment to Latvia.

Canadian Armed Forces investigators are still looking into what happened during the exercise.

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