King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their sorrow after a fire during a military training exercise in Alberta killed four Canadian Armed Forces personnel and sent 39 people to hospital, including 19 reported in critical condition.
In a message released through Rideau Hall, the royal couple offered condolences to bereaved families and praised emergency workers who responded to the blaze at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the deaths as among the military's worst peacetime tragedies on Canadian soil.
"My wife and I were greatly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright," Charles said.
The four service members who died were identified as Private Aidan Goulding, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Hayden Lykkemark and Sergeant Morgan Wong. Their next of kin have been notified.
The fire began around 4 p.m. Saturday while soldiers were practicing simulated attacks during an exercise. Strong winds helped the flames spread rapidly through the training area at one of Canada's busiest military installations.
Emergency crews have contained the blaze and remain on site to prevent flare-ups. The cause of the fire and the circumstances that left personnel unable to escape have not been established in the available accounts.
The King's message addressed both the deaths and the wider toll on those injured, their relatives and the military community.
"Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with all those who have been injured or otherwise affected at this most difficult time," the statement said.
Charles also thanked military and civilian emergency responders and healthcare workers for their courage and dedication during the emergency. He closed with a message directed to Alberta and the armed forces, signing the statement "Charles R."
"Above all, we send our special thoughts and prayers to the people of Alberta, and to the Canadian Armed Forces and their families," he said.
Carney addressed the country Sunday, calling the incident "one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime."
"The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our armed forces who we have lost," the prime minister said.
Wainwright serves as a major center for live-fire exercises and combat preparation, bringing together military personnel from across Canada. The fatal incident occurred during domestic training rather than an overseas deployment.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province had sent resources to neighboring Alberta and was prepared to offer additional help. Saskatchewan's health authority also extended condolences to those affected.
Charles issued his message in his capacity as Canada's head of state. He was formally proclaimed King at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on September 10, 2022, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
His most recent visit described in the reports was a two-day trip to Ottawa in May 2025, his 20th Canadian visit over more than five decades. During that trip, he delivered the speech opening Canada's 45th Parliament.
