Seven Marines were killed and eight wounded during a live-fire training exercise that went awry when a 60-millimeter mortar exploded at an Army depot in Hawthorne, Nev.
Four were killed instantly when the explosion occurred late Monday, various media reported. The others died during treatment.
SEE RELATED: SHORTRIDGE: Live fire a necessary part of training
The Marines, members of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, N.C., were taking part in a training exercise at the 147,000-acre facility 140 miles southeast of Reno, Nev, the Associated PRess reported.
NBC reported the Marines were prepping the mortar for fire when it exploded, rocking the base shortly before 10 p.m.
Renown Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Stacy Kendall said the hospital was treating eight who were wounded.
Three were in serious condition, and the other five were in fair condition, she told NBC reported.
“We send our prayers and condolences to the families of Marines involved in this tragic incident,” said Maj. Gen. Raymond Fox, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general. “We mourn their loss, and it is with heavy hearts we remember their courage and sacrifice.”
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Cheryl Chumley is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She’s also a 2008-2009 Robert Novak journalism fellow with The Phillips Foundation. She can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Kristina Wong is a national security reporter for The Washington Times, covering defense, foreign policy and intelligence affairs. She can be reached at kwong@washingtontimes.com.
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