Firefighters have been training for a “nightmare scenario” by simulating a plane crashing into an eight-storey building.
Around 50 officers took part in Exercise Skycatcher last night along with ambulance crews, police officers and aid workers.
Described as a highly realistic challenge, it featured a series of evolving hazards from a light commercial aeroplane “crashing” into the third floor of a tower block, to rubble “falling” on to two cars in the street below, trapping the occupants in their vehicles.
Staged by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Glasgow, the aim was to prepare crews for emergencies such as the helicopter crash in central London earlier this year.
Assistant Chief Officer Dave Boyle said: “We all hope never to face an incident like this for real, but history has proven the need for emergency services to be prepared if disaster does strike.
“In January this year we saw tragedy unfold when a helicopter collided with a high-rise building in London, and that was a stark reminder of a similar crash on the outskirts of Glasgow that killed a police officer in 1990.
“Skycatcher brought together all the emergency responders who would be involved in this type of situation, providing an invaluable opportunity to work together in order to save casualties and prevent a disaster escalating.”
Officers had to fight flames on the tail of the plane and use cutting equipment to free those trapped inside the cars. Crews also had to search a smoke-filled building, behind Cowcaddens Fire Station in Glasgow, for anyone “injured”.
Mr Boyle added: “Incidents of this scale are complex and firefighters have to adapt as new information becomes available.
“To keep this exercise as realistic as possible, those first on scene did not know people were inside the upper floors until it was confirmed by a member of the public doing a head count of staff at an assembly point.
“Participants had to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding of the complexities of dealing with a serious incident involving fire, road traffic collision and urban search and rescue.
“Initial crews provided casualties with life-saving medical help before the ambulance service arrived to take over their care. Skycatcher has been a valuable exercise that will greatly benefit all those involved.
“It is absolutely vital that we prepare for the worst in order to deliver the best level of protection, which is what the people of Scotland deserve.”