Fake Train Crash Drill To Be Held in Waltham Next Month

Waltham first responders will be holding a drill next month during which they will simulate a train crashing into a vehicle.

The drill is intended to give police, firefighters and other authorities training on responding to that type of incident, according to Waltham Fire Lt. Michael Murphy.

The drill will be held on Sunday, June 10, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the railroad crossing at the intersection of Beaver Street and Waverly Oaks Road.

“We want residents to take note and adjust travel plans accordingly,” Murphy said.

During that time, at least part of Beaver Street will be closed, Murphy said.

During the drill, the MBTA, which operates the commuter rail train being used in the drill, will bring a real train up to the intersection to simulate it hitting a vehicle, Murphy said. Then, Waltham Police, firefighters and others will respond to the scene as if it were a real incident.

Authorities plans to test their incident command system, equipment and other specialized aspects of responding to a train crash, such as gaining access to damaged train doors, Murphy said.

“The drill is prviding use with important realistic hands on training,” Murphy said. 

Volunteers serving as actors will play the roles of live victims both on the train and in the vehicle.

The city is taking several steps, however, to mitigate the impact on the surrounding community. First, the city’s reverse 911 system will be used to notify the public prior to the drill, local residents and business are in the process of being notified and additional info will be posted on the fire department’s website, according to Murphy.

Also, lights and sirens will not be used on responding vehicles, Murphy said, which should lessen the noise of the drill. Also, the Saturday morning time was chosen to minimize impacts on traffic, Murphy said.