MONTREAL – Two Radio-Canada journalists were injured in a roadside blast in Afghanistan today that killed two Canadian soldiers and an Afghan interpreter, reports the public broadcaster.
The armoured vehicle in which correspondent Patrice Roy and his camera operator-editor Charles Dubois were traveling was heavily damaged after hitting a roadside bomb west of Kandahar. "We were told that Charles Dubois had sustained a severe leg injury, while Patrice Roy was unharmed but is suffering from nervous shock," says the RCI release.
Dubois was evacuated to a military hospital where he was treated as a Canadian soldier injured in combat. His injuries are very serious but not life-threatening, says the release.
The names of the soldiers killed have not been released.
"Today, our thoughts go out to the families of the victims and the loved ones of our professionals who were directly affected by these tragic events. We are fully aware of the dangers involved in our Afghanistan coverage, but also of its critical importance for Canadians, and we are determined to continue it," said Alain Saulnier, general manager of information, RCI. "However, we would like to reassure our staff and the public that, in co-operation with the Canadian army, Radio-Canada takes every precaution to protect the safety of its teams in war zones."
