4 Marines killed at California base | The Salt Lake Tribune

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San Diego • Four Marines were killed Wednesday during an operation to clear a range of unexploded ordnance at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, a Marine official said.

The Marines were clearing the range when the accident occurred at 11 a.m. at the San Diego County coastal base, said a Marine official who spoke on condition of anonymity. The identities of the dead were withheld pending notification of relatives. Base officials released no details on the accident. They said authorities were investigating the cause.

"We offer our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families of the Marines lost today in this tragic accident," said Brig. Gen. John W. Bullard, commanding general of Camp Pendleton.

The deaths come about eight months after a mortar explosion killed seven Marines during a live-fire training exercise in Nevada. A military investigation determined human error was to blame.

The Associated Press