A live artillery shell exploded prematurely during a US Marine Corps celebration of its 250th anniversary on a southern California freeway, raining shrapnel down on a police vehicle and a motorcycle. The incident occurred on Interstate 5, which Governor Gavin Newsom had ordered closed after learning that military officials would not close the freeway. Several vehicles were damaged, including a patrol vehicle’s hood, and shrapnel was found on the road.
The exercise was canceled, but before its cancellation, it caused severe traffic delays. A spokesperson for the Marine Corps said an investigation is underway, while Newsom called the event “absurd” and “reckless.” The incident has sparked debate over the safety of such events, with some defending them as necessary training exercises and others criticizing the risk to public safety.
The freeway was closed due to concerns about a “live-fire in progress,” but officials had initially downplayed the risks. The incident highlights tensions between those who value military training and those who prioritize public safety.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/19/california-marines-explosion-freeway-jd-vance