Heroes in action during mass casualty exercise involving train in LI

AMAGANSETT, N.Y. — The scene was chillingly real Sunday morning as first responders rushed to the scene of a train derailment on the Long Island Rail Road in Amagansett. But the smoke was artificial and the passengers were actors – as everyone involved took part in a full-scale mass casualty exercise.

The event took place on Montauk Highway. The scenario involved a passenger train, on the LIRR Montauk Line, that had struck a vehicle at a grade crossing, officials said.

“This accident causes a train derailment and a fire in the first car of the component. Several injuries to passengers occur as a result of the impact and smoke condition on the train. In addition, there was a car fire on the right track as a result of the collision for this scenario,” he was writing the script of the event.

All emergency agencies serving East Hampton Town were invited to participate, including fire, EMS and police. The exercise was organized in partnership with the East Hampton Town Chiefs Association, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and the MTA Long Island Rail Road.

Emergency service vehicles responded to the exercise with actors impersonating patients, some of whom were taken by ambulance to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

The exercise did not disrupt emergency services as other crews were on hand to respond to the normal volume of calls. Access to the hospital was also unrestricted, officials said.

Responding emergency vehicles were on the scene as well as the actors, the hospital said.

“From incident command to radio communication and triage initiation, these heroes are ready to take action at a moment's notice to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” said Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency.