Two of the four soldiers who died when a massive fire tore through Canadian Forces Base Wainwright Saturday were from Metro Vancouver.
Pte. Aidan Goulding from North Vancouver and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C. were identified by military officials as two of the deceased Sunday.
The other two soldiers whose lives were lost have been identified as Sgt. Morgan Wong and Pte. Private Shaun Farrell.
In addition to the four fatalities, the fast-moving fire sent 39 to hospital—19 of whom were in critical condition.
The news out of Alberta weighed heavy on politicians on the campaign trail in B.C. Sunday.
B.C. Conservative Leader, speaking in Delta, said he was “terrified and horrified” as news of the tragedy unfolded.
“These are men and women who chose to serve our country, of course, and we owe them and their families so much,” Doerkson said.
“Sadly, two young men from British Columbia have been lost. And I want to send my regards and certainly thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those two individuals.”
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, speaking before the deceased had been identified, said he knew there would be a number of families in this province “waiting anxiously” to hear about their loved ones—while thanking first responders and offering to support the ongoing response in Alberta.
After learning two victims were from B.C. Eby issued a statement.
“In this moment of profound heartbreak, as British Columbians and Canadians, let’s wrap our arms around their families, supporting them and joining in the mourning of this horrible tragedy.”
