'Mass casualty' crash with 17 vehicles staged to test response to M5 disaster

25 October 2023 , 09:02

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The simulated mass casualty motorway event on the M96 (Image: Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service)

A 'mass casualty' crash has been staged on a "secret" motorway to test the emergency response to a major incident on the M5.

The scene of devastation was recreated in Gloucestershire, turning the National Fire Service College in the Cotswolds into a disaster zone with 17 vehicles and 28 casualties. The realistic simulation in Moreton-in-Marsh was designed to mimic a major incident on the M5. All emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance, were involved in the exercise. The aim of Sunday's exercise was to test procedures for dealing with a large-scale multi-vehicle collision. It also tested joint command and control systems, multi-agency working and the use of support appliances.

The aim of Sunday's exercise was to test procedures for dealing with a large-scale multi-vehicle collision (@JenOnTheMove)

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nathaniel Hooton said: "The exercise simulated the response to a major incident on the M5, which posed a 'significant risk'. "The simulation was as realistic as we could make it and will help ensure that all those involved are as prepared and as confident as they can be for any future large scale emergencies, so thank you to our staff, volunteers and partners who made this possible.

"We practise and train intensively to ensure that when we are needed, we can respond appropriately. This simulation gives us an opportunity in a realistic situation, with our partners, to ensure that if we did ever have a major incident like this, we could respond in the right way to save life, protect property, render humanitarian services and protect the environment."

The pretend motorway crash was put on by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Gloucestershire police, South West Ambulance Service Trust and Local Resilience Forum. Fire engines and crew from Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Campden, Winchcombe, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham West and East, Gloucester North, Cirencester, Nailsworth and Coleford were there, along with two fire engines and crews from the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Casualty Union, Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) and British Red Cross also helped out with the exercise.

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Phil Norris