Seven killed in Marine Corps training accident

At least seven US troops were killed and several more wounded in an accident during a Marine Corps training exercise in Nevada, the military said Tuesday.

“A fatal incident occurred during a training exercise shortly before 10 pm Monday at Hawthorne Army Depot, Nevada, killing seven servicemembers and injuring several others with 2nd Marine Division,” the Marine Corps said.

The cause of the incident was under investigation, officers said, without providing details. Earlier, Marine officers said that an explosion had occurred at a live-fire drill.

Initial reports indicated a 60-millimeter mortar bomb exploded in a tube as Marines were about to fire it.

The vast depot in the desert of western Nevada, which spans 147,00 acres (nearly 600 kilometers), includes more than 2,000 bunkers and its harsh terrain is used to train troops preparing to deploy to Afghanistan.

Major General Raymond Fox, the commander of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, expressed sorrow over the casualties.

“We mourn their loss, and it is with heavy hearts we remember their courage and sacrifice.”

The 2nd Marine Division is based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.