Military police have launched an investigation following the death of a Canadian soldier based in Petawawa, Ont.

Craftsman Kyle Sinclair died Friday night following an incident in the Royal Canadian Dragoon lines at CFB Petawawa, sources told CTV News.

The incident happened Friday afternoon in one of the base’s tank hangars. Sinclair was doing maintenance work on a vehicle -- a normal, routine task -- when the incident occurred.

Other soldiers on site performed first aid before Sinclair was taken to Pembroke Regional Hospital. He was later medically evacuated to the Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus, but died hours later.

Military police were the first to arrive on the scene. The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is investigating the scene of Sinclair’s death.

Sinclair, 27, joined the Canadian Forces in December 2012 and had been based at CFB Petawawa since the spring of 2013. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was doing job training with 2 Service Battalion. His rank of craftsman is equivalent to a private.

Lt. Jean François Carpentier said the base is saddened by Sinclair's death.

"In any case, the loss of a Canadian soldier is really devastating on the military community. Especially on the base, where we feel close-knit with the local community," he said.

In a statement Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Stephen Harper described Sinclair's death as an "unfortunate incident.”

“On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Craftsman Kyle Sinclair,” read Harper’s statement. “We will always remember and honour Craftsman Sinclair’s service to Canada.”

Defence Minister Rob Nicholson also expressed “deep sadness” about the incident.

“The loss of any member of the Canadian Armed Forces is tragic. An investigation will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding this incident to ensure that every precaution is taken to protect the safety and security of our soldiers,” said Nicolson in a statement Saturday. 

With files from CTV's Mercedes Stephenson and Claudia Cautillo