UPDATE

Three Injured After Suspected Tornado Tears Through Dillberry Lake Campground

A suspected tornado ripped through Dillberry Lake Provincial Park campground Wednesday evening, injuring three people and triggering a massive emergency response that saw dozens of agencies work through the night to ensure every camper was found safe.

“This response demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of emergency responders across the region,” said Sgt. Michael Miller. “Through a coordinated effort, we were able to quickly establish command, conduct search-and-rescue operations and ensure everyone affected by this event received the support they needed.”

According to the Alberta RCMP, the severe weather event struck the campground at approximately 8:30 p.m. on July 8. At the time, 42 campsites were occupied.

When first responders arrived, they found multiple camping units had been heavily damaged. Three people suffered injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment.

The initial 911 call prompted an immediate response from Wainwright RCMP. At the same time, the Alberta RCMP Real Time Operations Centre began coordinating officers and specialized resources from across the province.

The response continued to grow within minutes. Edmonton Police Service deployed its Air 1 helicopter, while the Alberta RCMP activated its Divisional Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate the large-scale operation.

Within two hours, a unified command post had been established at the campground, allowing emergency crews to begin a systematic search of the area.

Additional support came from RCMP Tactical Support Group, Police Dog Services, RCMP Air Services, Search and Rescue Alberta and officers from numerous RCMP detachments. Police even reached out to officers as far away as Kimberley, B.C., to help confirm the safety and whereabouts of campers who had left the area.

As part of the response, the RCMP activated its Mass Victimisation Protocols and established a Victim Information Centre to help locate missing campers, reunite separated families and provide trauma-informed support to those affected.

A reception centre was opened at the Chauvin Community Centre at 10:30 p.m. By 1:30 a.m., every camper had been safely accounted for.

The response also involved Chauvin Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Alberta Parks, the Municipal District of Wainwright and the Town of Chauvin.

With no ongoing public safety concerns, RCMP say responsibility for the site has now been transitioned to the Municipal District.

The Alberta RCMP thanked all emergency responders, volunteers and community leaders whose coordinated efforts helped bring the incident to a successful conclusion.

Lakeland Connect will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

BACKGROUND

Everyone has been accounted for after a tornado touched down at Dillberry Lake Provincial Campground Wednesday evening, prompting a large emergency response.

According to RCMP, the tornado struck the campground on the evening of July 8. Emergency Services personnel evacuated the campground and confirmed that all campers and visitors were safely accounted for.

Wainwright RCMP, along with surrounding detachments and emergency responders, remain on scene as the response continues.

Officials have not yet released information on injuries or the extent of the damage. RCMP say further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Among those responding was Cold Lake Search and Rescue, which deployed late Wednesday night to assist local agencies following the tornado touchdown.

Images shared by Cold Lake Search and Rescue show crews working in the campground overnight as emergency operations continued.

Lakeland Connect will provide updates as more information becomes available.