Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army, issued the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Private Steven Allen following an incident that occurred during an infantry field training exercise at the 3rd Canadian Division (3 Cdn Div) Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta, on November 3, 2014. In any situation, the loss of a soldier is always tragic.
“Private Allen, who was training to become a fully-qualified Regular Force infantry soldier, was recruited out of Victoria, British Columbia. At the time of the incident, Private Allen was posted to the 3 Cdn Div Training Centre and was participating in a unit-led activity in the training area when the structure he and another soldier were occupying collapsed. Private Allen completed his Basic Military Qualification in February 2014 and at the time of the accident had not served abroad.
“This tragic accident serves to remind us of the dangers that the men and women who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces face each day, whether they participate in training exercises at home, or while deployed on operations abroad.
“We train as we fight in war. A loss of life in training is no less significant than a loss of life in war.
“The second soldier injured in the same accident suffered minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
“The safety and security of all our members is of utmost importance. An investigation will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding this incident to ensure that we continue to take every precaution to keep our soldiers safe.
“We extend our thoughts and prayers to Private Steven Allen’s family and friends.
“To the injured soldier, we wish a speedy recovery.”
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