Amtrak news release, 4/23:
AMTRAK AND VRE EXERCISE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Simulated incident planned in First Street Tunnel on Friday, April 24WASHINGTON – Amtrak, in coordination with Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and area first responders, will participate in a simulated incident in the First Street Tunnel at Washington Union Station from 9 pm to midnight on Friday, April 24, to test communications, drill coordination and response efforts should an emergency occur.
The exercise will simulate an incident between an Amtrak and a VRE train in the First Street Tunnel, and include volunteer passengers. The simulated incident will test the coordination of information and resources among multiple agencies, examine procedures and response, and assess implementation of the incident command system during an actual emergency.
Following the exercise, participating agencies will conduct an after action review.
There will be an increased presence of fire department and law enforcement personnel in the area as part of the simulated incident.
Washington Union Station will remain open and Amtrak and VRE service will operate as scheduled during the exercise.