Fifteen Marines were injured, including six critically, Wednesday when an amphibious landing vehicle caught fire during a training exercise Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps. officials said.
The injured, from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and 3rd Amphibian Battalion, were participating in a training operation about 9:30 a.m. when the accident occurred, the Marine Corps said.
Six of the victims are in critical condition, another six are in serious condition, while the rest had minor to unknown conditions. The victims were taken to three hospitals.
Eight were transported to the Regional Burn Center at UC San Diego Health, four were taken to UC Irvine Medical Center, one was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and two were treated at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, officials said.
The vehicle involved in the incident is used to transport Marines from sea to land and has been used in operations since 1970s.
Officials extended their thoughts and prayers with the Marines and their families in a statement.
The incident is still under investigation.