San Diego, California – A U.S. Marine lost his life, and 14 others were injured after an amphibious combat vehicle overturned during a training session at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego, authorities reported on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
The rollover accident at Camp Pendleton occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday during a ground movement exercise at the military base. The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed that the 14 injured Marines were transported to local hospitals for treatment and medical evaluation. However, details regarding the severity of their injuries were not provided.
The identity of the deceased Marine will remain confidential until the family is notified, following military policy. According to military sources, the Marine belonged to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Authorities reported that a thorough investigation has been initiated to clarify the circumstances that led to the tragic accident, raising serious questions about safety and protocol in Marine Corps training.
The amphibious combat vehicle involved in the incident is a model designed to replace assault vehicles used during the Vietnam War. This change was prompted after a tragic incident in 2020 when a similar vehicle sank off the southern California coast, claiming the lives of eight Marines and one sailor. That incident was classified as one of the deadliest training accidents in the Marine Corps.
Marines rely on these amphibious vehicles to transport troops and equipment from Navy ships to land. Equipped with machine guns and grenade launchers, these armored vehicles, resembling tanks, play a crucial role in beach assaults, with Marines disembarking to secure strategic positions.
The tragedy at Camp Pendleton underscores the critical importance of maintaining high safety and training standards to ensure the integrity of military operations. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family.
