HAWTHORNE, Nev. (AP) -- Investigators are trying to determine why a mortar shell exploded during Marine training in Nevada's high desert, killing at least seven Marines and possibly eight.
Several more were wounded.
The Pentagon immediately halted the use of 60 mm mortars and associated firing tubes while there's an investigation.
According to a statement from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp LeJeune, N.C., the cause of the accident that happened shortly before 10 p.m. Monday is under investigation.
The injured were taken to area hospitals for treatment and further evaluation.
The identities of those killed were not released pending notification of their families and a 24-hour waiting period after that.
The Hawthorne Army Depot stores and disposes of ammunition. The facility is made up of hundreds of buildings spread over more than 230 square miles.
