A 26-year-old serviceman was killed Tuesday and five fellow Navy personnel were injured in a freeway pileup involving a group of military trucks in the northern reaches of San Diego County.
The convoy was headed south on Interstate 5 near San Onofre State Beach shortly before 7 a.m. when at least one of the five vehicles suddenly slowed for unknown reasons, causing the others to begin colliding with each other, according to the California Highway Patrol.
One of the drivers died at the scene of the wreck, the CHP reported. His name was withheld pending family notification.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Navy confirmed the servicemember was part of Naval Mobile Construction Batallion 5.
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"We mourn the loss of our shipmate, our thoughts and prayers are with the Sailor’s family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time. NMCB-5 is supporting all the service members’ family, friends, and loved ones during this time of grief, " the Navy said in a statement.
Paramedics took four other sailors -- three men and two women, all in their early 20s -- to Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital and Mission Hospital in Orange County for treatment of injuries ranging in severity from serious to minor, according to the Highway Patrol.
The CHP and military authorities were investigating the accident.
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The Navy said grief counselors and other support would be available to those who needed it.
