The Bermuda Government conducted an airline accident simulation exercise at the Airport yesterday to gauge its emergency response.

The exercise simulated the scenario of a chartered aircraft colliding into a passenger bus on landing. The exercise, which started at 8.45 a.m. and finished at noon, was conducted in real time with aspects of fire control, search and rescue and medical evacuation being carried out.

A debriefing involving all in attendance at the exercise will be conducted today to assess and evaluate the initiative in an effort to strengthen crisis policies and procedures.

The exercise was spearheaded by the Emergency Control Centre.

It included Governor Sir John Vereker, the Acting Minister of Transport Michael Scott, senior representatives of the affected airline, Police and Fire Services, the Bermuda Regiment, the Airport Fire Service, Bermuda Customs and Immigration, and the Department of Communication and Information.