Criticism After Shell Fragments Scatter at Marines Military Parade: “Almost Caused a Disaster”

California police reported damage to one of their vehicles from artillery shell shrapnel that exploded during Marine training exercises. Officials expressed concern over the incident, which resulted in no injuries. The state governor criticized the use of live ammunition in the display, while the Marines opened a formal investigation.

The California State Police announced that a traffic police vehicle was damaged as a result of shrapnel from an artillery shell that unexpectedly exploded during a live military exercise conducted by the United States Marine Corps (Marines) to mark the 250th anniversary of its founding, in the presence of US Vice President: “JD Vance.”

Police confirmed that the incident, which occurred on Saturday, did not result in any human casualties, but police official “Tony Coronado” described what happened as an “unusual and disturbing incident,” explaining that the shell exploded in the air prematurely, which led to shrapnel scattering towards the public road.

“Coronado” stated: “It is extremely rare for live ammunition exercises to be carried out over a highway open to traffic.”

California Governor “Gavin Newsom” had previously criticized the organization of the military display using live ammunition, which necessitated the closure of 27 kilometers of the highway linking Los Angeles and San Diego.

In a later comment on the incident, “Newsom” stated via the “X” platform that what happened “almost caused a real disaster and loss of life.”

For its part, the United States Marine Corps announced the opening of a formal investigation into the circumstances of the incident, after having previously confirmed that the maneuvers “do not pose a risk to public safety.”

The events included fighter jet flyovers, the use of amphibious vehicles, simulated explosions, and paratroopers from special operations forces jumping into the ocean.

Informed sources reported that a vehicle belonging to the California traffic police was damaged as a result of shrapnel from the unexpected explosion of an artillery shell during a live military exercise carried out by the Marines to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, in the presence of US Vice President: “JD Vance.”

Security sources confirmed that there were no human casualties as a result of the incident that occurred on Saturday, but security official “Tony Coronado” described the incident as “unusual and disturbing,” explaining that the shell exploded ahead of schedule, which led to shrapnel flying towards the public road.

“Coronado” pointed out that “it is very rare to conduct live ammunition exercises over a highway open to traffic.”

California Governor “Gavin Newsom” had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the organization of the military display using live ammunition, which required the closure of 27 kilometers of the highway linking Los Angeles and San Diego.

In a related context, “Newsom” stated via the “X” platform that the incident “almost led to a real disaster and loss of life.”

In contrast, the Marines announced the opening of a formal investigation into the incident, after having previously confirmed that the maneuvers “do not pose any threat to public safety.”

The events included air shows of fighter jets, the use of amphibious vehicles, in addition to simulated explosions, and paratroopers from special operations forces jumping into the ocean.