News Summary
An artillery shell fired during the Marine Corps’ anniversary celebrations detonated prematurely over Interstate 5 in California, raising serious safety concerns. Shrapnel from the explosion struck a California Highway Patrol vehicle and a motorcycle, although no injuries were reported. Following the incident, authorities halted further live ordnance firing over the highway, leading to significant traffic disruptions. The Governor criticized the exercise as unsafe, prompting calls for better coordination and safety protocols in military operations near civilian infrastructures.
San Diego, California – An artillery shell fired during the Marine Corps’ 250-year anniversary celebrations detonated prematurely over Interstate 5 in California on Saturday. The incident occurred during a live-fire exercise at Camp Pendleton, raising serious safety concerns among authorities and officials present at the event.
Shrapnel from the explosion struck a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle and a motorcycle in the detail of Vice President JD Vance, although no injuries were reported. The CHP had temporarily stopped traffic on Interstate 5 during the live-fire exercise, ensuring the safety of those on the road.
California Highway Patrol Border Division Chief Tony Coronado expressed serious concerns over the unusual nature of conducting live-fire exercises over an active freeway. Following the mishap, the Marine Corps was notified and subsequently halted further live ordnance firing over the highway. This decision was made in light of the incident, which could have had more severe consequences.
Vice President JD Vance attended the demonstration alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to celebrate the Marine Corps anniversary, a significant event that included various aircraft, Navy vessels, and the use of a towed howitzer for live fire. However, the exercise’s safety was called into question soon after the incident.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the live-fire exercise, declaring it unsafe and promptly ordering the closure of the freeway due to the “extreme life safety risk” posed by the operations. He described the demonstration as an “absurd show of force,” warning that it could have resulted in fatalities had conditions been different.
Reports indicated that a piece of shrapnel, approximately 2 inches in size, fell onto the hood of a CHP patrol vehicle, creating a small dent. Other fragments of shrapnel were discovered on the road, including a piece measuring about 1 inch by half an inch that was found near the motorcycle. The impact of the incident led the CHP to file an internal report that recommended improving coordination between federal, state, and local government regarding future events of this nature.
In response to safety concerns, transportation officials decided to close a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5, causing severe traffic delays for an estimated 80,000 vehicles and significant freight transport that rely on the freeway daily. GOP officials, including Representative Darrell Issa, criticized Governor Newsom’s actions as a publicity stunt, while Vance’s office defended the safety of the live-fire exercise, stating it was a recognized safe practice.
The Marine Corps emphasized that the demonstration had gone through a rigorous safety evaluation prior to the live-fire exercise. Following the incident, live fire was suspended, and an investigation has been launched to uncover the root cause of the accident. This investigation aims to ensure such an incident does not happen again in the future, reinforcing safety protocols during military operations in populated areas.
The incident raises important questions about the safety of conducting military operations in proximity to civilian infrastructure and seeks to establish more stringent guidelines for future exercises to mitigate any potential risks to the public.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Live-Fire Demonstration Raises Public Safety Concerns in California
Governor Newsom Condemns Reckless Marine Corps Live-Fire Exercise
Investigation Launched After Artillery Incident at Marine Corps Event
Governor Newsom Critiques Military Display at Marine Corps Event
Premature Artillery Shell Explosion Causes Traffic Chaos in Southern California
Live-Fire Military Exercise Accidentally Hits CHP Vehicle
Live-Fire Demonstration Raises Safety Concerns in San Diego
Marine Corps Investigates Live-Fire Incident Over Freeway
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Military Exercise
- The Guardian
- Google Search: Marine Corps live-fire exercise
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Military Safety Operations
- The Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artillery
- Military Times
- Google News: Safety Concerns Marine Drills
- KTLA
- UPI
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
