LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Isabel Sosa,

Flights and regular airport activity were not disrupted during this drill

LAREDO, Texas—The City of Laredo International Airport successfully accomplished its Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) by conducting a disaster drill on Wednesday, September 28. The drill was an exercise in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement and other first responders, as well as airline support, to prepare for real-life emergency scenarios. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) require all airports to have an updated airport emergency plan every three years as new guidelines are released by the federal government.

The Laredo International Airport remained open and fully operational during the drill with no delays in flights or services. The City of Laredo Fire, Police, Traffic, Public Information Office, Laredo TV, and El Metro Transit Departments assisted with the mock drill. Participating agencies included the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TSA, and FAA.

Today’s mock scenario consisted of a pretend aircraft (El Metro bus) that had difficulty landing safely and crashed between both runway parallels. Fire and Rescue personnel worked the scene and Airport Police initiated notifications in accordance with pre-established procedures in the Airport Emergency Program. This mock scenario was located in the airfield and 35 passengers, plus 3 crew members were on board. In the exercise, the pilot stated that both engines were on fire and they did not have control of the aircraft. After impact, first responders were able to rescue all passengers, but in the process, responders noticed an explosive device inside an unidentified backpack. They immediately called the Laredo Police Bomb Squad and were able to remove the device and place it in a safe area, where it was detonated without the risk of harming anyone.