Drill tests authorities’ response to plane crash

A search and rescue drill was held on Friday in Larnaca, testing the response of authorities after a mock plane crash.

The drill, dubbed “Tefkros”, was according to the ministry of defence the first of such a scale to be held outside the airport area.

Those involved were called to cope with the scenario of a plane carrying 35 passengers, that crashed into a hill as it was approaching Larnaca airport, after encountering mechanical issues.

The Larnaca Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) laid out a search and rescue mission, in line with the “Nearchos” action plan, to assess the situation and coordinate the various services.

The drill was planned by JRCC in cooperation with the police, the fire department, the ministry of health, the national guard, the forestry department and Hermes Airports.

A group of officers from Serbia`s civil aviation, who are currently being trained by JRCC, also watched the drill.

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