As part of its ongoing commitment to safety, the South Shore Line announces it will host a multi-team emergency preparedness drill on Wednesday, Oct. 1st, between Tulip Rd. and Smilax Rd. in New Carlisle, IN.
The federally mandated drill is a key component in the SSL’s continuing efforts to familiarize first responders with railroad crisis response procedures. It is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Oct. 1st and is expected to last until approximately 7 p.m.
The event will cause scheduled train services to slow down while moving through the drill area. Train passengers and passersby may notice multiple emergency vehicles and personnel in the area of the drill.
The drill is to be located on the SSL mainline Track 2 at the Five Star Switch that runs between Smilax Rd. and Tulip Rd. (flaggers will be present) to maintain the safety of all drill participants and the motoring public.
The crisis scenario involves an active shooter who causes the collision of a passenger train with a freight train, potentially carrying hazardous material, and will be performed in conjunction with the following agencies and organizations: the Federal Railroad Administration; New Carlisle Fire Department, Saint Joseph County Fire Territory, New Carlisle Police Department, Kankakee Township Fire Department, Saint Joseph Dispatch Center, Laporte County Dispatch Center, Laporte County EMS, NICTD Transit Police, Chicago South Shore Railroad, and others.
Please note: This drill is an internal exercise and will not be open to the public or media.