Don’t be alarmed - simulated emergency at airport tomorrow

A simulated emergency scenario will be staged at Wagga Wagga Airport tomorrow morning.

The scenario is aimed at testing and evaluating the coordinated response required by all agencies in the event of a real disaster.

Residents are reminded that the scenario is for training purposes only and not to be concerned if they see flashing lights and emergency vehicles at the airport.

“We are taking this emergency exercise very seriously, which means simulating it as close to reality as possible within strict safety regimes,” Airport Manager Leon Burger said.

“The airport will be operating as normal on the day, with posters advising of the scenario and announcements being made inside the terminal and to passengers on arriving aircrafts.”

Preparations for the exercise start from 7.30am, with most of the action taking place between 9.30am and 11am. The exercise is expected to be complete by 1pm.

The scenario involves a collision between a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and commercial aircraft within Wagga Wagga Airport airspace. The passenger plane will be simulated by the use of a bus.

More than 100 community members submitted their interest to be a volunteer for the exercise. Of these, 61 volunteers of all ages were selected to be plane passengers/patients. All volunteers will have special-effects make-up applied and will be required to act out an injury or condition.

The emergency exercise is a requirement by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is being carried out in partnership between the City of Wagga Wagga and the RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, and supported by local and state emergency services.