UTA simulates terror attack, a dozen agencies join for training

Aug 8, 2017, 6:01 PM | Updated: 6:14 pm

...

SALT LAKE CITY – You may see a lot of ambulances and police officers around Trax and Frontrunner stops.  Officials with UTA are conducting one of the largest training exercises they’ve ever done.

The scenario being reenacted is one that UTA officials hope never happens.  Utah Transit Authority Safety Officer Daniel Riley says, “We have an attack that happened on a light rail train in West Valley.  A couple of bombs detonated.”  There was also a mock attack on the Central Station in downtown Salt Lake City.

Bomb-seeking robots, hazmat crews and nearly 100 volunteers were on hand, depicting victims or a victim’s family.  “I think, every exercise, we try to outdo ourselves a little bit more.  The purpose of that is not to say, ‘Hey, look how great we are.’  It’s to give everyone a chance to come out and practice with us,” Riley says.

Although Salt Lake City is not commonly thought of as a terrorist target, he says they make these simulations bigger and more complicated e very year, just in case.  Riley adds, “We’ve been fortunate that we have lots of reps here from different agencies, not only here in Utah, but from across the country.  We have Amtrak here.  We have the FBI here.”

Tomorrow, they’ll be simulating bombings at Rice Eccles Stadium to see how well they can get information to the loved ones of terror victims.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the br...

Nick Perry

Baltimore bridge collapse puts the highly specialized role of ship’s pilot under the spotlight

The highly specialized role — in which a pilot temporarily takes control of a ship from its regular captain — is coming under the spotlight this week.

4 hours ago

Shopping carts are parked outside a Home Depot in Philadelphia...

MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer

Home Depot buying supplier to professional contractors in a deal valued at about $18.25 billion

Home Depot will buy SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion.

5 hours ago

Killer Mike poses in the press room with three trophies he won at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Recent Grammy winners highlight Ogden Twilight Concert Series lineup

Hip hop star Michael Render, known by his stage name Killer Mike, fresh off of three Grammy Award wins last month, is one of several musical artists set to headline this year's Ogden Twilight Concert Series.

5 hours ago

"Burn Book," by longtime Silicon Valley reporter Kara Swisher is seen, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Sa...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Telling tales about tech bros

Kara Swisher’s new book paints an ugly picture of Silicon Valley.

8 hours ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

8 hours ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

UTA simulates terror attack, a dozen agencies join for training