Camp Pendleton, Calif. — A celebratory military event marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps turned risky after an explosive device fired during the exercise struck a California Highway Patrol vehicle. The incident occurred on Saturday, causing temporary closures on a major stretch of the I-5 freeway, which left motorists stranded for hours.
The ceremony featured live artillery fire, prompting the California Highway Patrol to shut down a 17-mile segment of the freeway intermittently for about four hours. The shutdown impacted traffic significantly, trapping drivers during a busy travel period.
Around 1:46 p.m., an explosive ordnance fired from White’s Beach detonated prematurely, striking a CHP patrol vehicle about three-quarters of a mile south of Las Pulgas Road. While no injuries were reported, shrapnel from the explosion damaged the patrol car and narrowly missed a CHP motorcycle.
California Highway Patrol officials expressed concern over the incident, labeling it as unusual for live ordnance activities to occur over active roadways. “My foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them,” said Tony Coronado, chief of the CHP’s Border Division.
Immediate actions were taken following the incident. Officers contacted the Marine Corps, which halted further live fire operations over the freeway. An internal report by the CHP is underway, recommending an after-action review to improve coordination and safety measures for future military events, particularly those near public roadways.
Governor Gavin Newsom voiced his concerns regarding the event, taking to social media to express gratitude for the Marines while questioning the decision to proceed with such potentially hazardous activities. This reflects ongoing tensions regarding the management of public safety during military exercises.
In the days leading up to the anniversary celebration, communication between state officials and the Marine Corps had been contentious. Newsom’s office indicated it had requested signage warning of “overhead fire in progress,” but the federal government informed state officials only hours before the event that live fire activities were scheduled for that afternoon.
While the Marines initially stated that the freeway would remain open during their operations, the CHP chose to act out of an abundance of caution, believing the situation warranted traffic stoppages to prevent any potential accidents.
A spokesperson for Vice President JD Vance, who was present at the event, did not provide comments, deferring inquiries to the First Marine Expeditionary Force. The military branch emphasized its commitment to investigating the incident and ensuring safety in future operations.
As discussions continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved when military exercises intersect with civilian infrastructure, highlighting the need for thorough planning and communication.