An artillery shell fired during a Marine Corps demonstration on Saturday detonated prematurely over California's Interstate 5, striking a California Highway Patrol vehicle with debris, authorities said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom lashed out at the Trump administration prior to the event, saying it was dangerous to fire live rounds over a highway.

An artillery shell fired as part of the Marine Corps’ 250-year anniversary celebrations prematurely detonated over Interstate 5 in California Saturday, striking a patrol vehicle with shrapnel, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Vice President had traveled to California for exercises marking the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps.

California Governor Gavin Newsom had shut down the freeway, even though White House officials said it was safe.

The incident occurred when ordnance detonated overhead prematurely during Saturday's exercise at Camp Pendleton,.