Thank God it's not real

The St John Rescue Corps, Armed Forces of Malta, St John Ambulance Brigade and the Sea Cadet Corps yesterday held a joint rescue training exercise at the former White Rocks Holiday Complex in Pembroke.

A vehicle delivering goods to a hotel supposedly left an explosive device which shortly after triggered off an explosion in the reception area and restaurant, with devastating effects on both structure and people inside. The combined forces rushed to rescue those inside, evacuate the building and control the blaze and structural damage.

A spokesman for the AFM said the fact that participants simulated a terrorist attack should benefit local agencies which would definitely be involved in a principal role should this really happen. The exercise also featured the participation of the Urban Search and Rescue Team from the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, which used its latest state-of-the-art search and rescue equipment.

Members from the AFM's third regiment, sappers from the Engineer Squadron and artificers/ammunition technicians from the Explosives' Ordinance Disposal section were also present.