BARNSTABLE – On Saturday, May 14th at approximately 10:00 a.m., the MBTA will be conducting an emergency evacuation drill by simulating a derailment of a passenger rail train. While the exercise is scheduled from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., surrounding neighbors can expect heightened activity in the area starting as early as 8:00 a.m.
The drill is designed to establish a learning environment for local public safety officials to test emergency response plans, policies, and procedures as they pertain to a mass casualty event on a passenger rail train. To ensure an effective exercise, subject matter experts and representatives from numerous agencies participated in the planning process, and will respond to the emergency and conduct an after-action review.
The exercise scenario will include the simulated derailment of a passenger rail train causing significant passenger injuries and entrapment. It is anticipated that approximately 80 volunteers from the community will perform the role of passengers on the train.
Key agencies participating in this exercise include the MBTA Transit Police, Keolis (MBTA’s commuter rail contractor), Barnstable Fire and Police Departments, Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office, Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee, MassCoastal Railroad, Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority and Yarmouth Fire Department.
Media release furnished by Barnstable County Regional Planning Committee
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