Four Marines Killed in Range Accident at Camp Pendleton

November 14, 2013 4:40 PM

Marines train at Camp Pendleton, Calif. USMC Photo
Marines train at Camp Pendleton, Calif. USMC Photo
Four Marines were killed in a Wednesday accident at a range on Camp Pendleton, Calif., officials at the base told USNI News on Thursday.

The Marines were on a range maintenance operation at the base’s Zulu impact area when the accident occurred at around 11 a.m. PST, base spokesman Lt. Ryan Finnegan said.
“The cause of the accident is under investigation,” Finnegan said.

A NBC report said the deaths were due to detonation unexploded ordnance.

The Zulu impact area is where ordinance from artillery, mortars and fighters strike during training.

The names of the victims will likely be released on Friday, Finnegan said.

It’s unclear the type of maintenance the Marines were performing. Range maintenance includes cutting grass, animal control as well as removal of unexploded ordnance.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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