KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The body of a Canadian soldier killed during a training accident at a range northeast of Kandahar city is on its way home.
Thousands turned out at Kandahar Airfield on Saturday to bid farewell to Cpl. Joshua Caleb Baker. Four other soldiers were injured in the accident.
The military offered few details about Baker's death other than to say it happened during a routine training exercise. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the accident.
The four injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the medical facility at Kandahar Airfield and are reported to be in stable condition.
"This type of training is normal for soldiers in theatre and essential in helping them to maintain high levels of expertise," Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard, the top commander in Kandahar, said in a statement.
An Edmonton native, Baker, 24, was serving with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
His death brings to 140 the number of Canadian soldiers killed in Canada's eight-year mission in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences to Baker's family, saying he served valiantly in order to build a better future for Afghanistan.
"The courage demonstrated by Canadians on this mission speaks to their dedication to creating a better country for the Afghan people. Their commitment to this goal is not diminished by this incident," Harper added.
Similar messages were issued by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and Defence Minister Peter MacKay.
Jean said Baker served bravely and generously to support Afghans' hopes for security, justice and a better life.
"He merits our wholehearted admiration."
MacKay called Baker's death "a tragic loss for Canada and for the Canadian Forces."
Menard, the commander, said Baker had a laugh that lightened up any room.
"Joshua had a laugh rumoured to cure cancer," he said.
"No matter where you were or how down you got, his laugh would find your ears and bring a smile to your face."
Menard described Baker as an "extremely passionate" person who loved his job.
"Joshua was mentally tough, physically robust and had a personality that made him a natural leader," he said.
"He had a deep love for his family and worried constantly about them. He also had a deep love for his faith; it was something he took pride in and that gave him strength."
News of the soldier's death came as Canadian troops were taking part in the largest air assault of the Afghan war in neighbouring Helmand province.
American, British, Afghan and other coalition troops stormed the insurgent-held town of Marjah and the district of Nad Ali early Saturday morning.
Three Canadian Chinook helicopters were helping ferry some 1,100 coalition troops to Nad Ali, under the watch of four Canadian Griffon escorts.
The pre-dawn attack is called Operation Moshtarak -- meaning "together" in Dari -- and it is by far the largest offensive staged since U.S. President Barack Obama's decision to send 30,000 more troops into Afghanistan to try to quell a spreading insurgency.
