Emergency services have conducted an exercise on the London Underground to prepare for a potential major incident.
Personnel from the local fire brigade, ambulance service, police services and Transport for London were joined by more than 100 volunteers for the scenario, which was held at the disused Jubilee line platforms at Charing Cross station.
The exercise was based on a Tube carriage derailing and striking the tunnel walls as it departed the station. This resulted in passengers being trapped in the tunnel as well as mass passenger casualties.
As part of the exercise, crews had to evacuate injured passengers from the train down the adjacent tunnel. Effort was made to ensure the safety of all passengers, but to also ensure those injured received prompt treatment.
BTP inspector Stuart Downs said that it was an “immersive” exercise, putting staff in a complex and challenging environment.
He added: “This partnership sees a bespoke team of officers trained with advanced medic capabilities, working along London Underground’s operational managers. Every day they’re responding to incidents on the network and this exercise is a great way to prepare them for any potentially major incident.
“Fortunately, incidents such as this are extremely rare. However, by testing our capabilities it ensures that we are prepared for every eventuality. I would like to thank Transport for London for allowing us to use their station and train for this exercise. Hopefully everyone who took part learned some new skills and benefited taking part in the day.”
The exercise was held on November 17.
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