Several Marines injured in a deadly rollover during routine training Thursday have been released from the hospital while others remain in critical condition, Camp Pendleton officials said.
Corporal Bryan Michael Lauw, 21, died and 18 others were injured when a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) rolled during routine training Thursday.
Lauw, a resident of Denham Springs, Louisiana, was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division. During his career, Lauw was awarded multiple prestigious medals and four letters of appreciation, according to Marine authorities. Read more about his achievements by clicking here.
One Marine in critical condition as of Saturday has improved and is now in stable condition, according to 1st Lt. Colleen McFadden. Five Marines previously in stable condition have been discharged from the hospital and nine others involved have been released from the hospital.
Of the nine Marines still in the hospital, five Marines involved are in critical condition and four are in stable condition, according to 1st Lt. Colleen McFadden.
Marine officials have not detailed how the MTVR — also known as a 7-ton truck — toppled over at the base, north of San Diego.
MTVRs are primarily used to transport people, fuel, food and supplies.
Retired Navy veteran Mitch Finley, who said he trained to drive MTVRs, told NBC 7 the vehicle is quite automated.
"There's no gears to shift or anything else," he said. "Put it in drive and park and it's very stable, lots of automatic options as far as traction devices, tire inflation options — just a real solid vehicle. Not top heavy."
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Finley works on base now and said the accident happened on a corner of a main road where their have been other problems, though he is not sure why.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
