Tornado touches down near Alberta-Saskatchewan border, three hospitalized

A suspected tornado struck Dillberry Lake Provincial Park campground on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, injuring three people and causing significant damage.

Wainwright RCMP responded to the incident at the campground where 42 sites were occupied. Three people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. Multiple units were damaged in the strike.

When police received the initial 911 call, Wainwright RCMP immediately deployed to the area while Alberta RCMP's Real Time Operations Centre coordinated a comprehensive response, including officers from surrounding detachments and specialized resources. Edmonton Police Service dispatched their Air One Helicopter to assist.

Within two hours, Alberta RCMP's Divisional Emergency Operations Centre established a command post on site and launched a systematic search-and-rescue effort alongside regional partners. Police dog and air services were deployed. Officers as far away as Kimberley, B.C. helped confirm the location and welfare of some campers.

A victim information centre was set up to help those impacted and expanded quickly as the scale of the incident became clear. The centre reunited separated families and provided trauma-informed care to those involved. By 1:30 a.m. Thursday, every camper was accounted for.