BURST
A fifth soldier who’d been injured in the accident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright last month has died.
Private William Douglas Dal Bianco of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, passed away on Friday due to the injuries suffered in the accident.
“Yesterday, Private William Douglas Dal Bianco passed away from injuries sustained in the fire last month at CFB Wainwright,” Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote in a social media post.
“Private Dal Bianco and his fellow soldiers were training to defend Canada. With their bright futures still before them, they chose to safeguard ours. That is service. Now, we serve them. Canadians are holding Private Dal Bianco’s loved ones, and all those still grieving in the wake of this terrible tragedy, in our hearts.”
“I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Private William Douglas Dal Bianco as we mourn their loss,” said Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Canadian Army Commander.
“The Canadian Army will remember William’s dedicated and honourable service to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada. We stand with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
There are still 24 soldiers in hospital receiving treatment, while 14 members have been released from hospital.
An explosion during a live-fire training exercise on a grenade-launching range on October 17, 2026 triggered a wildfire that quickly grew out of control, fanned by heavy winds.
Many soldiers suffered third- and fourth-degree burns, with some up to 90 per cent of their body. Airway and lung damage from the smoke and intense heat put dozens on ventilators in hospital.
There were four previous casualties from the same unit, which was preparing for an overseas deployment: Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shawn Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding and Private Hayden Lykkemark.
Goulding was from North Vancouver and Lykkemark was from Langley.