Community Corner

Simulated Plane Crash Will Close Piermont Pier in August

A simulated plane crash will commandeer Piermont’s iconic pier for one day this August, as rescue authorities drill and practice should an aircraft ever come down over village airspace.

 

The Piermont Fire Department said the crash drill—slated for Saturday, August 17—will be carried out with the help of Rockland and Orange County emergency responders. A total of nine dive teams, seven ambulances, four fire trucks and the coast guard will be present at the crash site.

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Two representatives from the fire department approached village lawmakers at Tuesday’s board of trustees meeting. Local politicians ultimately approved the drill, but with hesitation.

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“This is a really great training effort, but it’s challenging that it’s a Saturday in the summer time [when] the pier’s a big draw,” said Chris Sanders, the village’s mayor. “The ability to fish is a primary concern when we close the pier.”

 

The fire department was donated a large steel tube that will serve as a mock plane it will be filled with both real “victims” and dummies, authorities said. The main purpose of the drill will be demonstrating the extraction of the victims, not the actual plane crash, officials added.

 

Official said no materials will be burned, and that tarp will be laid down to expedite clean up.

 

The drill will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but the pier will be closed to vehicles starting at 9 a.m. for set-up.

 

 


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