The Taipei city government is to hold Taiwan's first chemical accident reaction drill on Thursday, as part of efforts to smooth rescue operations in the event of contamination of the city's mass rapid transit (MRT) system.
"The purpose of the drill is to find out any potential problems that might arise concerning the use of chemical hazard rescue equipment in the MRT system, and to prepare the city's medical staff for a quick reaction to any such possible mishaps," said Yeh Ching-chuan (
Possible sources of chemical contamination of underground portions of the MRT system could come from gas main leaks or deliberate sabotage.
In 1995, members of Japan's Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult, led by its founder, Shoko Asahara, launched a deadly nerve-gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, killing 12 people and injuring thousands of others. It was an event analysts said hammered home the vulnerability of underground transit systems.
Thursday's drill, ordered by Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
No traffic regulations will be imposed, but the west entrance and the fifth and sixth exits of the stop will be closed. The public is welcome to view the 40-minute drill, according to city officials.
Around 400 people have been recruited from 12 city government departments, including the health bureau, fire department, environmental protection bureau, police headquarters, and Taipei Rapid Transit Co, Ltd, in addition to Chung Hsiao municipal hospital.
According to Tyrone Wang (
"Two features of the drill will be that some of the scenes will be broadcast live, and a clear zoning of handling areas will be set up," he said.
The zones are classified as "contaminated," "control" and "safe" areas.
Victims rescued from the contaminated area must be removed of contaminants in the control area before they are sent to the safe area for medical assistance.
During the drill, medical staff will not be permitted to enter the contaminated area to give medical assistance.
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