CAMP PENDLETON, CA – A Marine Corps artillery round prematurely detonated over Interstate 5 during a live-fire training exercise Saturday, sending metal shrapnel onto a California Highway Patrol vehicle, according to an internal report released Sunday by the agency.
The incident occurred during a military training demonstration at Camp Pendleton that required the temporary closure of a section of I-5, one of California’s busiest freeways. No injuries were reported in the incident.
CHP officers were positioned on the scene conducting a traffic break when the artillery round detonated overhead. The premature explosion sent debris onto the patrol vehicle, prompting immediate safety concerns about conducting such exercises over public roadways.
The training exercise had been authorized following approval from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had previously expressed concerns about the safety of firing artillery shells over a freeway used daily by tens of thousands of motorists.
“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” said CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado in the report. “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.”
Coronado, who identified himself as a former Marine, added that while he maintains tremendous respect for military partners, his primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of California residents and law enforcement officers.
Officers on scene immediately notified Marine Corps personnel of the incident, which resulted in the cancellation of additional live ordnance exercises planned over the freeway. CHP officers then conducted a thorough check of the area for debris and evaluated conditions to ensure public safety before reopening the highway.
Gov. Newsom commented on the incident through social media, 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 California Highway Patrol report recommends conducting an after-action review to examine planning, communication and coordination between federal, state and local agencies when live-fire exercises are conducted near public roadways.
Marine Corps officials stated that the training exercise followed established safety protocols. However, the CHP emphasized in its report that conducting live-fire exercises directly over active public freeways is highly uncommon.
The agency reiterated its mission to provide the highest level of safety, service and security to California residents. The incident remains under review by both state and federal authorities.
