CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (KABC) — Metal shrapnel from an explosive ordinance fired during the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton on Saturday hit a California Highway Patrol vehicle, the agency announced.
The celebration, which included a military exercise using live artillery fire, shut down a 17-mile stretch of the 5 Freeway in both directions, stranding drivers for hours.
A 17-mile stretch of the 5 Freeway was shut down Saturday because of a military event involving live ammunition at Camp Pendleton.
According to California Highway Patrol, the explosive ordinance that was fired over the freeway detonated overhead prematurely, striking and damaging a CHP patrol vehicle.
The CHP officers were in the area supporting the traffic closure.
“This was an unusual and concerning situation,” said CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado. “It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway. As a Marine myself, I have tremendous respect for our military partners, but my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people of California and the officers who protect them.”
CHP said no injuries were reported, and officers immediately notified the Marine Corps, who then canceled firing additional ordnance over the freeway.
“The CHP has filed an internal report on the incident, with a recommendation to conduct an additional after-action review into the planning, communication and coordination between federal, state, and local government around the event on Saturday, October 18, to strengthen protocols for future demonstrations and training events near public roadways,” a CHP statement read.
In a post on X, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, “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 state was asked on Friday to put signage along the freeway that read “Overhead fire in progress,” according to a statement from Newsom’s office. Early Saturday morning, the federal government informed the state that the live fire activities were scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Due to the safety risk and distractions to drivers, CHP made the call to temporarily shut down the freeway.
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