15 Marines injured in training accident at Camp Pendleton
Fifteen Marines were injured Wednesday when an amphibious assault vehicle caught fire during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton, according to the Marine Corps.
The Marines were participating in a pre-deployment land-based training operation about 9:33 a.m. when the accident occurred, the Marine Corps said. Most of the injured were taken to hospitals.
Five Marines were listed in critical condition, another five were in serious condition and two more were receiving medical treatment, but their conditions were not known, the Marine Corps said. Two Marines suffered minor injuries and another was listed in stable condition.
Eight of the 15 Marines hurt were sent to the burn center at UC San Diego Health.
The injured were from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Marines and their families as they receive medical care,†Marine Corps officials said in a statement.
According to the Marine Corps, the vehicle involved in the accident has been used to transport Marines from sea to land since the 1970s.
The accident is under investigation, officials said.
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UPDATES:
4:05 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the accident and the Marines’ injuries.
This article was originally published at 1:05 p.m.
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