Metro de Sevilla simulates a serious incident on a train with more than 80 participants

The exercise took place on the track platform, a few metres from the Ciudad Expo terminus station, in Mairena del Aljarafe. In the simulated scenario, several passengers caused a serious incident inside a train stopped between the Cavaleri and Ciudad Expo stations.

The operation began at 23.45, when the driver notified the Central Control Post (PCC) that emergency handles and buttons had been activated. From the centre, the Self-Protection Plan was activated and passengers were ordered to evacuate via the track platform. The security guard evacuated those in the station through the main entrance. Ticket sales were automatically suspended, passenger entry was prevented and the turnstiles switched to anti-panic mode, with the barrier gates fully open. Messages were also sent over the public address system and notices on display screens to inform about the impact on the service.

The PCC room manager requested external help from Emergencias 112 when the red alert was declared on the train and at Ciudad Expo. As the people who had caused the incident remained on the train, the Guardia Civil was requested, and it took command of the emergency. The officers accessed the station and the train accompanied by Metro de Sevilla support staff and, at around 1.30 in the morning, the situation was declared under control. The exercise ended with no injuries. At the end, technical staff inspected the facilities and the return to normality and to train service across the entire line was announced.

According to Metro de Sevilla, these operations make it possible to check the emergency control protocols set out in the underground's Self-Protection Plan and to reinforce staff training in emergency prevention and control. It is the first time the Guardia Civil has taken part in an underground drill, as it involved the simulation of a public order incident. The Regional Minister for Development and Mobility, Mario Muñoz-Atanet, has stated that these operations are "the best test to show that both our facilities and the emergency teams are fully prepared to deal with any incidents that may arise". The Mayor of Mairena del Aljarafe, Antonio Conde; the Regional Delegate for Development, Teresa Ávila; the Managing Director of the Public Works Agency, José María Rivera; the First Deputy Mayor of the Area of Presidency, Urban Planning and Housing of the Mairena Town Council, Marta Alonso Lappi; the Delegate of the Area of Citizen Protection and Social Participation of this Town Council, and the Managing Director of Metro de Sevilla, Jorge Maroto, also attended the exercise.