Exercise Thomas ‘train disaster’ tests Elsecar Heritage Centre staff

FIREFIGHTERS were called to an historic railway where a dummy driver had been hit by a train —  but fortunately, the patient was just a mannequin.
Crews taking part in the exerciseCrews taking part in the exercise
Crews taking part in the exercise

Crews steamed into Elsecar Heritage Centre on Monday morning, when “Exercise Thomas” was underway.

The simulation, carried out on July 26, tested responses of staff at the centre, who would have to cope with such an emergency until help arrived.

In it, a car crossing the line at Elsecar station had been struck by a moving train.

Two heavy rescue pumps from Tankersley and Adwick stations were involved in the exercise.

Crews from Tankersley white watch and Adwick red watch removed casualties from the train, including a 27-stone (159kg) dummy.

Staff from Cudworth station red watch also performed rescues from the car and assisted with the hour-long scenario. 

Several trainee liaison officers from Barnsley Council also attended the exercise.

Andrew Littlewood, trustee at Elsecar Heritage Railway said: “We are always happy to work in conjunction with our emergency services.

“We trust that South Yorkshire Fire Service benefited from the experience.”

Delroy Galloway, manager of Tankersley fire station, said: “The exercise was a huge success and allowed all those who participated to further understand their roles and responsibilities in the event of a major incident. 

“Exercise Thomas formed part of an ongoing aim to continually improve major emergency response procedures and I would like to thank everyone who took part.”

Elsecar Heritage Railway runs steam trains and diesel locomotives for members of the public on a regular basis.

Visit www.elsecarrailway.co.uk for more information.