Ref. 13319-05SCORES of RAF personnel have been involved in a plane crash at RAF Lyneham but in fact it was all part of an exercise to test the base's emergency services.

The base, which is home to the RAF's Hercules transport fleet, has a contingency plan that outlines how the station will respond to any aircraft accident or incident that occurs either on the base or within five miles.

The simulated crash was set up, and emergency services including, Wiltshire Constabulary, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, Wiltshire Ambulance and Swindon Council were all involved.

Wing Commander Guy Edwards, the officer commanding the base's Operations Wing said: "The Royal Air Force safety record is enviable and at RAF Lyneham we make the safe operation of our aircraft our highest priority.

"It is only prudent, however to have plans in place, in case the unthinkable happens and we have a major incident on our hands."

Although most of the exercise took place inside the airfield, one incident was set up on Melsome Road where a simulated gas main was ruptured.

Wing Cmdr Edwards, said: "This is a crucial exercise for Lyneham to undertake. In the event of a real accident we would offer as much support as possible to the civilian emergency services, so it is important that we practice with them on a regular basis.

"By carrying out this exercise we can improve our lines of communication and develop more effective methods of working together."

Anthony Osborne