Tag Archives: prematurely detonated overhead

Shrapnel hit police vehicle during Marine Corps demonstration at SoCal’s Camp Pendleton: department

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Metal shrapnel from explosive ordnance fired during the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton on Saturday struck a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle, according to an internal agency report.

The celebration included a military exercise using live artillery fire, which led to intermittent closures of a 17-mile stretch of the 5 Freeway in both directions for about four hours, leaving drivers stranded for extended periods.

Around 1:46 p.m., an explosive ordnance fired over the freeway prematurely detonated overhead from White’s Beach, located roughly three-quarters of a mile south of Las Pulgas Road. The shrapnel from the explosion hit and damaged a CHP patrol vehicle as officers were assisting with the traffic closure. Additionally, shrapnel reportedly struck a CHP motorcycle, although it was not damaged.

“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” said CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado. “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway. As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.”

No injuries were reported. CHP officers immediately notified the Marine Corps, which subsequently canceled further fire of ordnance over the freeway.

The CHP has filed an internal report on the incident, recommending an additional after-action review focused on the planning, communication, and coordination between federal, state, and local government agencies involved in the event on Saturday, October 18. The goal is to strengthen protocols for future demonstrations and training exercises near public roadways, according to an official CHP statement.

In response, Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “We love our Marines and owe a debt of gratitude to Camp Pendleton, but next time, the Vice President and the White House shouldn’t be so reckless with people’s lives for their vanity projects.”

The state was asked on Friday to place signage along the freeway warning, “Overhead fire in progress,” according to a statement from Newsom’s office. Early Saturday morning, the federal government informed the state that live-fire activities were scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

While the Marines indicated they would not need to shut down the freeway during live firing from Navy ships onto land, CHP chose to halt traffic as a precaution. This measure aimed to prevent potential injuries or distractions to drivers caused by the live-fire exercises.

The incident highlights the complexity and risks involved in conducting military demonstrations near active public roadways, underscoring the necessity for improved coordination and safety protocols in future events.
https://abc7news.com/post/shrapnel-hit-chp-vehicle-during-marine-corps-camp-pendleton-live-fire-event-vp-jd-vance-attendance-department-says/18040928/