A crisis management exercise is taking place this Monday, November 25, in the evening, in the Foix tunnel, simulating an accident involving dangerous materials. Mobilizing emergency services and security forces, this operation led to the closure of the tunnel and a temporary diversion.
A crisis management exercise will take place this Monday, November 25 in the Foix tunnel (Ariège), mobilizing the emergency services and security forces, reports the department prefecture. The operation, which will start at 9 p.m. and end at midnightwill result in the complete closure of the tunnel in both directions from 8:30 p.m. A diversion will be put in place for users.
A rescue exercise in the Foix tunnel
“This exercise will simulate an accident involving a truck transporting dangerous materials,” explains the prefecture. “Led by the chief of staff of the prefect of Ariège, it is intended to test the ability of different state services to coordinate. »
The scenario provides for the activation of a departmental operational center and the triggering of the ORSEC plan (organization of civil security response). Vehicles from the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) and the national police will be mobilized on site. Smoke bombs generating orange smoke will be used to reinforce the realism of the operation.
An essential exercise for emergency coordination
This type of exercise is regularly organized by the authoritiesas in 2016 and 2019. It is essential to lead to the coordination of relief efforts. The Foix tunnel, 2,159 meters long, is a key element in traffic on the RN20 (E9) bypassing the city.
The prefecture indicates that it is forbidden to approach the tunnel entrances without authorization during the exercise. She calls on local residents and motorists to avoid the area so as not to disrupt operations. Normal traffic will resume after the end of operations.
