DB Cargo UK was praised for its part to stage and support a three day, multi-agency exercise involving a simulated train derailment at its Healey Mills site in Wakefield.  

The rail freight operator worked with agencies including West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance, Network Rail, Wakefield Council and the British Transport Police to re-create the scenario, providing an invaluable practical training exercise for everyone involved and showcasing Healey Mills as an ideal site for future training opportunities.  

As part of the exercise arrangements were made for a locomotive and out of service rail carriages to be placed on an unused rail track at Healey Mills, where one carriage was also completely overturned. 

Volunteers from St John’s Ambulance acted as trapped, injured and missing casualties and dummies were used to replicate individuals stuck under the carriages and fatalities at the scene. Ossett Academy was used as a tactical command location.  

The exercise was also attended by West Yorkshire Police, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Department for Transport (DfT) and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). 

Healey Mills is now available as a training site to all suitable parties including train and freight operating companies and the emergency services. 

Dave Jenkinson, DB Cargo UK Safety Assurance Manager, Healey Mills, said: “The successful delivery of the project has showcased Healey Mills as an ideal location for future training exercises as we can re-create a number of different emergency scenarios. 

“West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the other parties involved were very pleased with the facilities provided and will be using the site again in the future.

“We are proud to be able to provide such invaluable training opportunities at Healey Mills.”