Marines killed in military vehicle crash near Camp Lejeune identified, another charged

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — A 19-year-old U.S. Marine was charged Wednesday after he crashed a seven-ton military vehicle, killing two Marines and injuring 17 near Camp Lejeune, troopers said.

Louis Barrera was driving a medium tactical vehicle replacement Wednesday and attempted to make a right turn on U.S. Highway 17 from N.C. Highway 210 in Onslow County at about 1 p.m. The truck overturned and ejected the Marines riding in the back.

We are aware of a vehicle rollover in Jacksonville, North Carolina, involving service members with 2nd MLG. We are working closely with @camp_lejeune and Onslow County officials to gather details regarding this incident. We will release more information as it becomes available.
— 2nd Marine Logistics Group (@2ndMLG) January 19, 2022

A second military vehicle was driving behind the truck and couldn’t stop, hitting one of the ejected Marines.

15 Marines were taken to the Naval Medical Center at the base, officials said in a news release. They were in stable condition. Two Marines were taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington and were listed in critical condition.

>> Remember, you can watch our radar/newscasts anytime at home on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV

Barrera, of Springfield, Tennessee, was charged with one count of exceeding a safe speed and two counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, troopers said.

Speed is what likely caused the deadly wreck, troopers said.

Lance Corporal Jonathan E. Gierke, 19, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Private First Class Zachary W. Riffle, 18, of Kingwood, West Virginia, were both killed in Wednesday’s crash.

Honor the Fallen

Lance Corporal Jonathan E. Gierke and Private First Class Zachary W. Riffle died January 19, 2022, following a tactical vehicle rollover mishap near Jacksonville, North Carolina.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/s4gK6EYqUP pic.twitter.com/YQze6FM0pA
— 2nd Marine Logistics Group (@2ndMLG) January 21, 2022

The Marines involved in the wreck are with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Lejeune, officials said. MTVRs are primarily used to transport troops and equipment.

Return to this story for updates.

(Watch the video below: 7 Camp Lejeune Marines killed in training exercise in Nevada)

7 Camp Lejeune Marines killed in training exercise in Nevada Seven Marines from Camp Lejeune were killed in a training accident at the Hawthorne Army Depot, Nev.