California lawmakers are seeking explanations after a military training exercise at Camp Pendleton went wrong Saturday, sending shrapnel onto Interstate 5 and striking two California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicles.
The incident occurred during a live fire demonstration at the Marine Corps base, which borders the busy highway in Southern California. Military officials have not yet released details about what specific weapons system malfunctioned or what caused the misfire.
No injuries were reported in the incident, but the potential for harm has raised serious concerns among state officials who are now demanding a full accounting of the event and assurances that similar incidents won’t happen in the future.
State Officials Demand Answers
Several California lawmakers have called for an investigation into how military ordnance was allowed to land on a major transportation artery used by thousands of civilians daily.
“We need immediate answers about how this dangerous situation was allowed to happen,” said one state representative who requested a briefing on the incident. “Interstate 5 is one of the busiest highways in California. This could have been catastrophic.”
The governor’s office has also requested information from military authorities about safety protocols at the base, particularly for exercises conducted near civilian infrastructure.
Military Response and Investigation
Camp Pendleton officials have acknowledged the incident and stated that an investigation is underway. A spokesperson for the base confirmed that the shrapnel came from a training exercise but declined to provide specific details while the investigation is ongoing.
“Safety is our top priority during all training exercises,” the spokesperson said. “We are thoroughly investigating this incident and will take appropriate measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
Military training experts note that live fire exercises typically have multiple safety measures in place, including:
- Designated safety officers who monitor all aspects of the training
- Calculated safety zones that account for potential equipment malfunctions
- Weather and environmental assessments before exercises
Highway Patrol Response
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that two of their vehicles were struck by debris but reported no injuries to officers or civilians. The CHP temporarily closed portions of Interstate 5 near the base following the incident to assess damage and ensure no additional hazards remained on the roadway.
“We were extremely fortunate that no one was hurt,” said a CHP spokesperson. “Our officers responded quickly to secure the area and protect motorists.”
Traffic was diverted for approximately two hours while crews cleared debris from the highway.
History of Camp Pendleton Training
Camp Pendleton, established in 1942, is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the United States and serves as a major training facility. The base spans more than 125,000 acres along the California coast between San Diego and Los Angeles.
While incidents affecting nearby civilian areas have been rare, this is not the first time training activities at the base have raised concerns. In 2017, a brush fire sparked by a training exercise burned several thousand acres, though it remained contained within the base boundaries.
Military officials stress that training exercises are essential for maintaining combat readiness, but acknowledge that operations conducted near populated areas require additional precautions.
As the investigation continues, state and military officials are expected to review safety protocols for training exercises conducted near the interstate. Lawmakers have indicated they may call for hearings if they aren’t satisfied with the military’s response to the incident.
The timing of the incident has drawn additional scrutiny as summer travel season approaches, bringing increased traffic to the Interstate 5 corridor that runs alongside the base.
