Four Marines killed in an explosion during a routine operation

At Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base in San Diego, California, four Marines were killed in an explosion during a training operation on the base. The incident occurred around 11 am on Wednesday in the range known as Zulu Black. Staff Sgt. Mathew R. Marsh, Gunnery Sgt. Gregory J. Mullins, Sgt. Miguel Ortiz and Staff Sgt. Eric W. Summers reportedly all had expert knowledge of bomb operation, but the exact cause of what killed the four men is still under investigation. Officials at the base say that there was no live-fire training occurring in the Zulu area.

“Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Marines we lost yesterday. Explosive Ordnance Disposal is a small and tight-knit community, not just in the Marine Corps, but in the entire US military. Our focus now is on ensuring these families receive the help and support they need,” said Brig. Gen. John Bullard, the commanding general.