Tunnel evacuated in mock crash exercise

Oct 15 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

HUNDREDS of people were evacuated from the Birkenhead tunnel yesterday – as part of an exercise by the emergency services.

There was a pretend crash with a van and a car and around 165 volunteers pretended to be travelling through the tunnel.

They were led to safety using the under-tunnel escape routes and the entire event was filmed so it can be evaluated and areas for improvement identified.

One volunteer said the van had drums of chemicals to add to the drama, with a smoke bomb for extra effect.

The aim was to allow fire services, police and others who could be called in event of a major incident in the tunnel to see how well their procedures were put into effect.

Among those volunteering was Paula Southwood, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokeswoman for Wirral South.

She said: “These exercises are important for the emergency services to train and work together and to see how the public reacts in threatening situations. ”

Cllr Steve Niblock, a member of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority, said: “Whilst there is a serious side for the emergency services and participants they can also be fun events to take part in as a member of the public.”