Seven Marines were killed and several injured in a training accident at the Hawthorne Army Depot, Nev., the Marine Corps said Tuesday. Photo courtesy Marilyn Newton, Reno Gazette-Journal
USA TODAY
(USA TODAY) -- Seven Marines were killed and seven wounded late Monday during a
training exercise at the desert facilities of the Hawthorne Army Depot
in Nevada, according to military and defense officials.
The
230-square-mile facility, located about 140 miles southeast of Reno,
stores ammunition awaiting demilitarization and, according to its website, also serves as "a premier training location for special forces."
"The
unique aspects of mountainous terrain in a high desert environment
provides a realistic simulation of the situation in Afghanistan," the
website notes.
Army, Navy and Marine troops train year-round at the facility, which also provides training for foreign military nationals.
The Marines were part of the 2nd Marine Division, a ground combat force based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
A
senior defense official said it appears that a mortar round exploded
inside a firing tube instead of flying out. The official, speaking on
background, cautioned that initial reports could change on the cause.
"We send our prayers and condolences to the families of Marines
involved in this tragic incident. We remain focused on ensuring that
they are supported through this difficult time," said Maj. Gen. Raymond
C. Fox, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. "We
mourn their loss, and it is with heavy hearts we remember their courage
and sacrifice."
An official at the depot tells KRNV that the explosion was an accident unrelated to the ammunition stored at the depot. The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. local time.
The U.S. Joint Munitions Command says on its website that the depot is an "archive site" for storing slow-moving ammunition and stocks awaiting demilitarization.