Explosion Killed Seven Marines In Nevada

An explosion killed seven Marines at the Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada. Seven other people were also injured at the military facility accident. The blast occurred during a training exercise. Victims were transported to the Renown Regional Medical Center by air.

The Hawthorne Army Depot is reportedly used for the destruction and storage of demilitarized ammunition. The western Nevada Army center encompasses 147,000 acres. The cause of the explosion that took the lives of seven Marines is currently under investigation.

The blast victims’ injuries included vascular issues, penetration trauma, and fractures, according to a Renown Medical enter spokesperson. The Marines who died in the Nevada army depot explosion were from the North Carolina-based 2nd Marine Division.

The Hawthorne Army Depot explosion occurred late Monday evening. A 60-millimer mortar reportedly exploded during a live-fire training drill. The identities of the Marines are being withheld until their families have been notified.

Major General Raymond C. Fox issues the following statement about the Nevada explosion:

“We send our prayers and condolence 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.”

Hawthorne Army Depot official Russ Collier told local media outlets that the blast was not related to the ammunition stored at the Nevada military center. The Army facility was built in 1930 and is approximately 140 miles southeast of Reno.

The military facility is used for long-term industrial plant equipment storage. Hawthorne Army Depot is comprised of almost 3,000 buildings. The structures at the depot include munitions sheds, warehouses, and igloos that store a variety of items.

At its peak, the Nevada Army depot employed more than 5,500 workers. After World War II, Hawthorne became used as a staging area for rockets, ammunition, and bombs. The remote location of the depot made the property more advantageous from a safety standpoint. The old depot used for storing munitions in New Jersey was nearly leveled after an explosion during the 1920s.

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