Mar 19, 2013

Seven Killed In Blast At Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada


Seven service personnel have died in an explosion at a military ammunition storage facility in the US state of Nevada, says a Marine Corps spokesman.

Monday night's blast occurred during a Marine training exercise at the Hawthorne Army Depot.

At least eight men are in hospital, three in a serious condition and five in a stable condition.

It is not known what caused the blast, but CNN quoted an official as saying that a 60mm shell had exploded.

Those caught in the blast at 22:00 local time (05:00 GMT on Tuesday) were members of the 2nd Marine Division.

Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno said it had received nine patients, one of whom died.

All the patients were men under the age of 30, suffering penetrating trauma, fracture and vascular injuries, said Stacy Kendall, a spokeswoman for the facility.

Marine commander Maj Gen Raymond Fox said in a news release: "We send our prayers and condolences to the families of Marines involved in this tragic incident.

"We remain focused on ensuring that they are supported through this difficult time.

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

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