Watch and find out why firefighters carried out a rescue operation on this smoke-filled Metro train

The training exercises took place today (December 11) at the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) training headquarters in Washington which is also equipped with a real Metro station platform, railway lines, tunnel and crossing.

The first scenario involved fire crews from Washington and South Shields rescuing a casualty from a collision involving two cars and a Metro train on a level crossing.

Firefighters used a hydraulic device and metal cutter to remove the car door and free the casualty.

The second scenario involved fire crews using breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet to enter the smoke filled Metro train to extinguish the fire and rescue the driver.

Dale Howey, Head of Service Delivery Operational Training for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s essential for the development of our firefighters that they are given the opportunity to experience and train in real life scenarios, where they can practice and enhance their specialist skills.

“The Metro is a huge infrastructure in our region and it is vital that we train to meet the risks within our Service area.

“The Metro carriage is a vital part of our training centre that provides a location where serious incidents such as rail or road traffic collisions can be set up for exercise purposes. We can also introduce many other elements into the carriage because most incidents are never the same.

“The Service appreciates the Metro carriage that was gifted from our partners at Nexus, as this will ultimately ensure our crews are able to train for the risks within our region and potentially save people’s lives for years to come.”

With the new Metro fleet of trains having come into operation this year (2025) Nexus contacted TWFRS to offer the donation of one of their decommissioned trains.

The train was delivered to the TWFRS’s Washington based training centre in September and a number of Nexus staff were on hand today (December 11) to witness the train being used to prepare firefighters for potential rescue scenarios on the Metro line.

Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement at Nexus, said: “It’s fantastic to see a decommissioned Metro train being put to such important use by the Tyne and Wear and Rescue Service at their revamped training facility in Washington.

“The old carriage, which has served our customers for 45 years, is now playing a vital role supporting firefighter training across a range of different scenarios that they must prepare for.

“I’ve no doubt it’ll prove useful, allowing their fire crews to hone essential lifesaving skills which are required of them in the event of a real-life emergency.”

Nexus press officer David Punton added: “It’s very reassuring to be here today to see the firefighters carrying out these practice drills. The Tyne and Wear Metro carries passengers every day and we need to be prepared for every potential incident.

“That support that we get from the Fire and Rescue Service is vital, so to have the train here to train for real life incidents which they may have to deal with one day is absolutely vital. It’s great for Nexus to have played a part in that.”