22 Marines Exposed To Fire Retardant In California Accident

TWENTYNINE PALMS (AP) — Marine Corps officials say five Marines accidentally exposed to a fire retardant gas during a training exercise at a Southern California base remain hospitalized.

Capt. Justin Smith said Friday the five were kept overnight for observation but were expected to be released soon. All had minor injuries. Smith did not elaborate, citing privacy concerns.

Nearly two dozen Marines were treated for exposure to halon after an extinguishing system accidentally activated in an assault vehicle during an exercise Thursday at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.

Smith says officials are investigating the cause.

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