Simulated plane crash tackled in London emergency service exercise

A real fuselage from a Boeing 737 has been partially covered in rubble

Emergency crews have been tackling a simulated plane crash in east London as part of an exercise.

More than 200 staff from London Fire Brigade, Specialist Urban Search and Rescue teams, Scotland Yard and London Ambulance Service, are involved.

A "crash site" has been set up in London's Docklands for emergency personnel to react to.

As part of the exercise, a fuselage from a Boeing 737 aircraft has been covered using 400 tonnes of rubble.

More than 100 "casualties" have been on site played by actors

Real flames and smoke are being used, as well as crash debris, and working black box simulators have been placed in the water for Scotland Yard's dive team to recover.

Emergency personnel taking part in the drill were not told about the simulated emergency they would face, although nearby residents were informed beforehand.

More than 200 emergency personnel have been involved in the event

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: "These sort of exercises are vital to ensure that rescue teams are fully prepared should something like this ever happen in London."