North Carolina – Two Marines died, and more than a dozen have been injured on Wednesday in a rollover accident near Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, authorities confirmed.
“BREAKING: At least two Marines were killed and two others flown to an area hospital after a rollover accident involving Marines stationed at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, officials said”, ABC News Tweeted.
The deadly accident injured 17 Marines as the vehicle attempted to make its way on the highway just a few kilometers from the base at around 1:00 pm.
The injured Marines were pulled out from the 7-ton military vehicle following the tragic incident, reported the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
“The driver was moving too fast for the turn”, said the highway patrol.
Two were pronounced dead right at the incident point, while 15 of the injured were driven to the hospital, and the remaining two were transported through a jet to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.
Allegedly, a 19-year-old Marine, Louis Barrera, was driving the vehicle and crossed the safe speed limit, because of which the accident took place. She has been charged with “two counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle” and crossing the speed limit, reported the highway patrol.
Among the injured, one was struck by another military ruck while ejecting from the back of the vehicle.
Reportedly, at the time of the incident, the military vehicle was carrying 19 Marines belonging to the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, on duty at Camp Lejeune. The person in the passenger seat and the driver, Barrera, remained unharmed.
Once the victims’ families are notified, the authorities will release their ids. However, the probe into the incident is continued, said the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
During a press conference, Devin Rich, the North Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt, said, “I was not sure if this was part of a training mission”.
“We are aware of a vehicle rollover in Jacksonville, North Carolina, involving service members with 2nd MLG. We are working closely with @camp_lejeune and Onslow County officials to gather details regarding this incident.” posted the 2nd Marine Logistics Group on Twitter.
Camp Lejeune resides in the southeast of North Carolina, close to the Atlantic coast. The region is home to more than 30,000 individuals.
