New Bedford Emergency Depts. to Simulate Plane Crash at Airport

NEW BEDFORD — A number of emergency responders will take part in a training exercise at the New Bedford Regional Airport this week, simulating a plane crash.

"The drill will simulate a plane crash that will result in a mass casualty incident response," according to Jonathan Carvalho, Public Information Officer for the City of New Bedford. The New Bedford Police Department, New Bedford Fire Department, New Bedford EMS, and the City's Division of Emergency Management will participate in the drill. Local hospitals will also take part in the training, with St. Luke's Hospital, Charlton Memorial and St. Anne's Hospitals in Fall River, and Tobey Hospital in Wareham simulating their responses to the staged emergency.

The exercise, which is required in order for the New Bedford Regional Aiport to maintain its status with the Federal Aviation Administration, will take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 30. During the exercise, residents can expect to see emergency personnel responding to the airport and area hospitals.