Simulated air crash at Salford City Stadium (From Messenger Newspapers)

Simulated air crash at Salford City Stadium

12:00pm Saturday 17th November 2012 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

MORE than 30 firefighters were called to Salford City Stadium after a plane crash landed, injuring scores of people.

Thankfully, the incident at Sale Sharks’ home ground was just an exercise to test fire crews, airport and stadium staff and all the casualties were played by actors.

Station Manager, Paul Smitham, said: "The exercise was planned in conjunction with staff at what was Barton Aerodrome so we used it to test Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) crews at the same time.”

The crews from Eccles, Salford, Irlam, Atherton and Sale fire stations were given a scenario that City Airport had lost contact with a light aircraft.

Staff from City Airport Fire Service, North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police were also involved in the exercise.

An airport spokesman said: "The exercise was a success for everyone involved but exercises like this are very important to test how well the emergency procedures we have in place are working.

"Should an aviation related accident ever happen in the vicinity of Salford City Stadium, our City Airport Fire Service is likely to be first on the scene so it's essential the procedures are practiced and reviewed regularly."