UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Emergency personnel from Penn State and municipalities throughout the Centre Region participated in a full-scale emergency response exercise at the University Park Airport Wednesday evening, May 23.
Port Matilda Fire Co., Bellefonte EMS, Alpha Fire Co., Centre Life Link EMS, Pleasant Gap EMS and Fire, and Penn State Haz-Mat, Penn State Police, Penn State EMS, Centre County EMA, Centre County Coronor, Transportation and Safety Administration and the University Park Airport all took part in the exercise.
The simulated accident involved a commuter airplane inbound to State College from Detroit. There were 40 people on board, including passengers and crew, with 19 fatalities. A social media component was added when simulators told media planners that Twitter activity was detailing accounts that a VIP was on board as well.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires all commercial airports to conduct full-scale, on-site exercises of emergency response plans every three years. The drill serves as training and recertification exercises for emergency responders.
For photos from the event, visit http://live.psu.edu/flickrset/72157629876439348 online.