A major aircraft accident training exercise was held this evening at Malta International Airport.

More than 200 people took part in the drill, which tested emergency response in a scenario which saw a collision on the tarmac between an airliner and a light aircraft.

The exercise kicked off when a big fire was lit on the outside of an old aircraft used for such exercises.

The airport fire brigade then raced to the scene with the twin aims of extinguishing the flames and bringing out some 50 passengers inside.

The fire tenders sprayed foam and other material on the aircraft as rescuers wearing breathing apparatus entered the aircraft to help out the passengers trapped in the smoke-filled cabin.

The incident also included reinforcement by other fire sections, the Civil Protection Department, the police and the AFM as well as medical teams who set up a field hospital to provide emergency medical assistance.

The exercise was organised by Malta International Airport which holds drills of this type every two years.