Explosion at Vancouver Island military base injures 10
At least 10 people were injured after an explosion rocked a Vancouver Island military base Thursday.
The explosion at Canadian Forces Base Comox shook the nearby civilian airport and rattled windows as far as a kilometre away.
"Our focus right now is on assisting our injured personnel," Lt.-Col. Mike Juillet told reporters at the base Thursday.
BC Emergency Health Services says multiple ambulances, including an air ambulance, responded to the base.
As of early Thursday afternoon, 10 people were treated by paramedics, including one person who was airlifted to hospital in serious condition.
Three patients were taken to hospital by ambulance in stable condition, and six more were treated by military base medics.
Emergency crews are on scene near where a building that was under renovations appears to have partially collapsed. (CTV News)
The explosion occurred inside a historic barracks building that was under renovation and has partially collapsed in the blast.
It is believed the explosion was fuelled by natural gas, but Juillet said the cause had not yet been confirmed.
'SMOKE AND DEBRIS FLYING EVERYWHERE'
Brenda Cardinal was exercising in the base recreation centre around 9 a.m. when the building shook with the force of the explosion.
"It actually shook the treadmill," said the retired sergeant. "And then we came out and you could see right across there was a lot of smoke happening."
Emergency crews are on scene near where a building that was under renovations appears to have partially collapsed. (CTV News)
Another witness who was inside the Comox Valley Airport terminal tells CTV News the blast flung debris and shook pictures off the walls.
"I heard an explosion and it rattled the building and I turned and looked and saw a huge plume of smoke and debris flying everywhere," said Don Catling, who was servicing equipment inside the airport at the time.
David Little, who lives approximately one kilometre from the base, said he heard two sharp blasts in close succession around 9 a.m.
"It shook the house, shook the windows," Little said. "We came down to have a look and make sure everyone is all right."
No aircraft were damaged in the blast, and flight operations were unaffected, according to base staff.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.