FALL RIVER — The South Coast Rail is set to hit the tracks later this year for commuter service to Boston in the region, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is in preparation mode with safety training. 

On July 27, public safety organizations from Fall River and surrounding communities organized by the MBTA will conduct an emergency evacuation training drill in the area of Campanelli Drive in Freetown. 

According to a release by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the drill is meant to be a learning exercise that will include a train accident, simulating injuries to passengers and train evacuation.

“This exercise is designed to establish a learning environment for public safety officials to exercise emergency response plans, policies, and procedures as they pertain to a mass casualty event on a Commuter Rail train. In conjunction with the exercise, area first responders will receive hands-on Commuter Rail equipment familiarization training. To ensure an effective exercise, subject matter experts and representatives from numerous agencies took part in the planning process and will take part in the exercise and evaluation,” according to MassDOT. 

How will the Fall River Fire Department be involved?

It’s a welcome training for local fire and EMS staff, according to Fall River Fire Chief Roger St. Martin, whose staff has already participated in a four-hour preliminary training with MassDOT related to the upcoming opening of the commuter rail. 

“It will let us see our resources and our capabilities, see where we may be short, and then give us a chance before they open up the commuter rail to fill any gaps we might have,” said St. Martin. 

What other safety initiatives are planned?

Next week’s training exercise is part of a safety campaign led by the MBTA as it prepares for the start of the South Coast Rail passenger service. Other safety initiatives include the Safety First education program for commuter rail communities, which highlights track and grade crossing safety through training classes, videos, brochures, and presentations. 

What cities and towns will be part of the training exercise?

Agencies participating in this joint exercise include the MBTA, MassDOT, MBTA Transit Police, Mass Coastal Railroad, Keolis Commuter Service, Freetown fire, Freetown police, Lakeville fire, Rochester fire, Fall River fire and EMS, Berkley fire, AECOM, and the Federal Railroad Administration. The exercise is being developed and led by K&J Safety and Security Consulting Services Inc.