A US Marine is facing charges after a military tactical vehicle he was driving overturned near Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on Wednesday, killing two service members and injuring 17 others, officials said.
The crash happened around 1 p.m. at the intersection of US 17 and Highway 210 in Jacksonville, the state highway patrol said.
The vehicle was attempting to make a right turn at the intersection when it overturned into the median, throwing 17 passengers out of the vehicle, a statement from the North Carolina Highway Patrol said.
“A second military vehicle being operated behind the initial vehicle was unable to come to a stop and struck one of the ejected passengers,” the statement said.
The driver of the vehicle that overturned was identified by the highway patrol as 19-year-old Louis Barrera. He was charged with one count of Exceeding a Safe Speed and two counts of Misdemeanor Death by Motor Vehicle, troopers said.
CNN has been unable to determine whether Barrera has retained an attorney.
All those involved in the accident were active-duty service members with 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, a statement from the 2nd Marine Logistics Group said.
The vehicle involved in the crash is described as “a medium tactical vehicle replacement (MTVR) — more commonly referred to as a “7-ton” — which is used primarily for troop and equipment transportation purposes,” according to the statement.
Two of the injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina, and listed in critical condition. The 15 others who were injured were taken to the Navy hospital at Camp Lejeune and listed as stable.
“I send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the U.S. Marines who lost their lives in a tragic accident today in Onslow County,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said on Twitter Wednesday. “We are so proud of our military heroes at Camp Lejeune and across North Carolina. Our prayers go out to them.”
