One Marine killed, second wounded in training accident

One Marine was killed and a second Marine wounded while conducting small arms live-fire training Friday at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California.

Both Marines’ names are being withheld pending next of kin notification, according to a news release from the combat training base. An investigation into the accident has been launched.

The incident happened at 5:05 p.m. Friday as the Marines were preparing for the start of Integrated Training Exercise 2-17, the news release says. No further information about the circumstances surrounding the accident was available on Sunday, said 1 st Lt. Karen Anne Holliday, a spokeswoman for the training center.

The wounded Marine is being treated at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California, Holliday told Marine Corps Times on Sunday.

The commanding general of Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms announced the incident Saturday on the base’s Facebook page.

“We send our prayers and condolences to the families of the Marines killed and injured,” wrote Brig. Gen. William Mullen III. “Our first priority is to support them during this difficult time.”