Emergency services derailed a train in Kiama on Saturday as part of a training exercise in response to the 2003 Waterfall train disaster which killed seven people including the driver.
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Lake Illawarra Detective Chief Inspector Joseph Thone said exercises like this provided a valuable learning environment for emergency service workers.
“They become familiar with rail industry hazards and their controls whilst developing close working relationships across all participating authorities,” he said.
The simulated operation involved a two-car Endeavour train which was made to derail just as it entered a 380-metre long tunnel near Attunga Avenue and South Kiama Drive.
About 50 volunteers role played as passengers inside the train with NSW Police, NSW Fire Rescue, Ambulance NSW, SES, RFS and Sydney Trains personnel required to respond and deal with the incident as it unfolded.
The main goal was to evaluate different areas related to emergency response and the management of the incident.
