Norman Wells (Sep 20/04) - This Sahtu community was an accident waiting to happen recently.

And sure enough, with emergency personnel standing by, an airline disaster of the worst proportion occurred in Norman Wells.

A Norman Wells firefighter cares for a "victim" during a disaster training exercise. - photo courtesy of Bob Kelly

But respondents were prepared for this major calamity, said Bob Kelly, manager of public affairs and communications for the territorial Department of Transportation, who helped set up the mock disaster.

"It was quite convincing," Kelly said of the emergency preparedness exercise held Sept. 9.

"We wanted to find out if there are any gaps and to see if there are things that need improvement."

The scene was a mid-air collision between a Twin Otter aircraft and a helicopter, Kelly said.

The fuselage of the aircraft was set up as if it landed near the baseball field.

Plant exploded

The helicopter appeared to have crashed near the water treatment plant, rupturing a natural gas line.

The resulting simulated explosion subsequently destroyed the plant.

There were many "victims" positioned throughout the area.

The scene was then set for emergency personnel to triage the "wounded."

Those wounded included many students from Mackenzie Mountain school.

Simon Gatto, school principal, said 24 of his students were given the role of accident victims.

"Judging from the feedback from the students, they had a great time," Gatto said .

Gatto said the event was indeed a learning experience as students had a first-hand opportunity to experience what each responder does in his or her job.

Gatto said students also became aware that should they be in a real-life accident, it could affect many people.

"They are aware it would affect, not just themselves, but their families and the emergency personnel," he said.

"It became a real eye-opener for them."

Gatto said it also gave the students a chance to see whether or not they might want to pursue a career in an emergency-related field.

Some students also took advantage of the opportunity to hone acting their skills, he added.

"Some of them are great actors. They like to have an audience," he laughed.

Kelly said a report will be prepared by the department and a community meeting will be held with officials from Norman Wells to discuss the event.

"It's appropriate and timely," Kelly said of the exercise.

"It has gotten busier here because of the pipeline and we have to be sure we are ready for anything."