Fireball at the airport: emergency rehearsals
At Cologne/Bonn Airport, the police and fire department have rehearsed a spectacular operation involving the rescue of passengers. After a simulated collision between two airplanes, rescuers had to guide the passengers outside and provide them with medical care. A specialist triggered an explosion with a fireball.
The planes were not damaged. Around 350 firefighters, police officers and partly made-up extras took part. "Everything went according to plan," said an airport spokeswoman. Such regular exercises are mandatory.
No disruption for passengers
Operations at the second largest airport in North Rhine-Westphalia were not disrupted by the exercise, which lasted around two hours. At the airport, people were informed via announcements that the many blue lights and sirens were only part of a drill and did not mean an accident. Some onlookers watched the spectacle, which took place on an apron at the airport.
The airport, the fire departments of the German Armed Forces and the city of Cologne as well as the state and federal police were involved. Commercial airports must regularly rehearse emergency procedures. The last emergency exercise of the ICAO, the International Civil Aviation Organization, took place in Cologne/Bonn in 2021.
- Despite the simulated explosion and fireball at the airport, emergency exercises are essential to ensure that the police, fire department, and airport personnel are prepared for real emergencies and accidents.
- In the event of an actual accident involving traffic, such as a car crash or an aircraft incident, the police and fire department in Bonn and Cologne are well-equipped to handle the situation, having regularly participated in drills and exercises.
- The airport authorities in Cologne/Bonn understand the importance of conducting emergency rehearsals and accidents, knowing that the presence of fire, explosions, or traffic incidents can lead to chaotic situations that require immediate responses from emergency services.
- If a sudden emergency, such as an accident causing a traffic jam or an explosion at the airport in Cologne or Bonn, occurs, the police and fire department are trained to respond swiftly and efficiently, thanks to their experience in participating in regular emergency exercises and accidents.
- In the aftermath of an unexpected emergency or accident in Cologne/Bonn Airport, the police and fire department can provide crucial guidance and assistance in managing the situation, having practiced and prepared for such scenarios through emergency rehearsals and accidents.
Source: www.dpa.com
