MassDOT and first responders drill on Haverhill commuter rail
A simulated fire and abrupt stop tested evacuation protocols and incident command for Haverhill line emergency crews.
By Julia Wang ·
Firefighters in full gear moved through a smoke-filled train car on the MBTA Haverhill line on Sunday. They assessed simulated victims and coordinated with other first responders to clear the vehicle. The event was a live drill, not a real emergency, but it followed the same protocol as a major incident.
MassDOT Chief of Enterprise Security & Resilience Michael McCabe said the agency prioritized making the scenario specific to the local community. The drill focused on the unique challenges of the commuter rail system. It tested everything from the initial radio call to the final patient care decisions.
Smoke machines created a dense atmosphere inside the car to mimic a fire. The scenario also included a sudden stop of the train. McCabe noted that an abrupt halt often results in a wide range of injuries. In severe cases, he explained, the event can become a mass casualty situation.
Community members acted as victims to add realism to the exercise. Some were designed to be difficult to evacuate. This forced the rescue teams to adapt their strategies in real time. The drill is part of a routine that includes at least one annual practice for both the commuter rail and the T.
After the exercise, the team reviewed the performance to identify weaknesses. McCabe said the agency has already found gaps in incident command and communication. The review also targeted assumptions about rail environments that do not match reality. These findings will inform future training for the Haverhill line crews.
