A MOCK train crash will be staged in Hereford next week - as part of a multi-agency training exercise in dealing with major disasters.
The event, taking place at the Three Counties Hotel on Thursday, October 16, will involve a 30ft long model railway, complete with nearby offices, factories, schools, a road network - and a train crash.
Those attending will include representatives from Network Rail, British Transport Police, West Mercia Police, fire and ambulance services, Herefordshire Council, Herefordshire PCT and the voluntary sector.
They will be briefed shortly before seeing the scene and will then have to carry out a variety of roles.
"We hope for the best, but plan for the worst," said Geoff Haskell, Herefordshire Council's emergency planning manager.
"We always hope it won't happen, but we could face a major disaster in Herefordshire and this kind of exercise ensures that all those who would be involved in dealing with it, do so in a professional and efficient way."
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