Explosion burns paramedics

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Ottawa Paramedic Service

The chief of Ottawa's paramedics says two of his people suffered serious burns when a joint training exercise with police involving explosives went awry.

Anthony Di Monte says the two are in an intensive care unit with second-degree burns to their hands, legs and other areas.

Di Monte says the exercise involved using explosives to force an entry to a house.

After the explosion, other paramedics on the scene rushed to help the injured and transport them to hospital. Three other people — one paramedic and two Ottawa police officers — sustained minor injuries.

The chief says the two male paramedics are experienced members of a tactical team that routinely works with police.

Ottawa police Chief Charles Bordeleau told a news conference the incident is under investigation by the province's Special Investigations Unit.