SEPTA to Conduct Railroad Emergency Drill

May 17, 2006

SEPTA will conduct a railroad emergency disaster drill along the Route 100 Norristown High Speed Line in Bridgeport, PA.The exercise will simulate a collision between a bus and passenger train along with a diesel fuel spill.This drill is intended to test the capability and preparedness of SEPTA, Norristown and Bridgeport’s fire companies, and the Montgomery County Emergency Management Department.

Date:	Sunday, May 21, 2006
Time:	approximately 9 a.m. – noon
Place:	Route 100 Norristown High Speed Line King Manor Station - Inbound parking lot.

Details:  SEPTA’s emergency disaster drill will involve a simulated collision between a SEPTA bus that has entered the rail right-of-way and a SEPTA Route 100 Norristown High Speed Line train. The impact will result in a simulated diesel fuel spill, along with numerous passenger and employee injuries on board the bus and train. SEPTA personnel as well as forces from the Norristown and Bridgeport fire departments will respond to the simulated emergency.

The Montgomery County Emergency Management Department will also be involved in the drill. Rescue responders will be required to access the train in order to evacuate passengers and crewmembers, and contain the chemical spill.

SEPTA conducts annual emergency disaster drills in an effort to provide SEPTA personnel, area fire departments, and rescue units with an opportunity to test and practice their mass casualty response skills in a safely controlled and realistic setting.

Route 100 Norristown High Speed Line train service will operate on a normal weekend schedule during the drill.