Local

Local soldier injured in explosion at Ft. Bragg

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An Army soldier from Sanford was seriously injured in an explosion that happened during a training exercise at Fort Bragg, military officials said.

Officials said 30-year-old Spc. Scott Yeates of Sanford remains in serious condition at a North Carolina hospital. Another soldier was killed in the blast, according to officials.

Authorities identified the 82nd Airborne soldier who was killed as 22-year-old Pfc. James Groth from Ethal, Wash. Groth was a cannon crew member.

A statement from the North Carolina Army post says Friday's blast occurred during artillery live-fire training involving the 18th Fires Brigade. Officials said there was an incident with a M777 light, towed howitzer, but have not released any other details.

Authorities said a third cannon crew member, 25-year-old Sgt. Jason Muzzy of Pecos, N.M., also remains in the hospital. Five other injured soldiers were treated and released.

The Army is investigating what went wrong.