Explosions and chemical gas 'attack' at Sports Hub part of terror exercise

SINGAPORE - Two vehicles parked outside the Singapore Sports Hub exploded slightly after noon in a mock terror attack. Shortly after, a chemical agent was released inside the stadium while a sporting event took place.

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the "chemical attack" by deploying its Hazmat Control Vehicle and Mobile Transporters and putting them to the test for the first time, Channel NewsAsia reported.

The stadium was also found to have unexploded improvised explosive devices. Upon evacuation, those who ran towards Kallang Wave Mall for safety soon found themselves facing four gunmen on a shooting spree.

Despite the "chaos" that ensued, members of the public can be assured to know that this was part of Exercise Northstar, a terror attack simulation to test the readiness of national agencies in responding to major emergencies in Singapore.

The exercise started at 12.30pm today and is expected to end at 3pm.

About 600 officers from the national agencies were activated in this exercise to "respond to the mock attacks". Personnel included those from the SCDF, Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

The officers helped to evacuate the stadium spectators, extinguished fires and arrested the "terrorists".

This is the first year 1,300 volunteers participated as evacuees, with some aiding in the evacuation efforts.

SCDF also extended their thanks to student volunteers on their Facebook page: "We had students from the Beauty and Spa Management course in ITE College East to help us make the casualties look more realistic."

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and other members of the cabinet were on site to observe the exercise.

debwong@sph.com.sg

Here are some of SCDF's Facebook updates:

FACT SHEET

Island Defence Task Force (IDTF)

The SAF IDTF is responsible for the protection of key installations and coordination of military resources to assist homefront agencies in civil emergencies and security operations. The IDTF is also able to provide an effective and efficient response to incidents island-wide. In XNS 9, IDTF will respond to security threats by coordinating forces from the CBRE DG and the MRF. The CBRE DG comprises SAF personnel who are trained and equipped to respond to any CBRE threat. The MRF is a medical team on 24/7 standby to handle casualties swiftly and efficiently in the event of a chemical, biological or radiological agent outbreak.

Headquarters Army Medical Services (HQ AMS)

The medical team from the HQ AMS is equipped and trained to manage patients according to advanced life-saving protocols, such as the Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support protocols. During the exercise, the medical team will be equipped with appropriate medical and resuscitation equipment, including airway equipment, bandages, orthopaedic supplies, field dispensary stores, stretchers, medic bags and vital-sign monitoring machines. The medical team will perform the necessary resuscitation and stabilisation of casualties before onward evacuation to a restructured hospital, if required.

CBRE equipment

The Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) is commonly used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators to render an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) safe. It offers a variety of effective and practical unmanned options to the operators. As such, it can be customised to deal with various situations, such as a parcel IED or vehicle-borne IED. The ROV can be operated by data cable, fibre optic or wireless means.

The multiple cameras mounted on the ROV offer optimal level of situational awareness for its operator, while the two-way in-built radio communications facilitate communication between the EOD operators and a person strapped with IED, without exposing the operators to risk.

The Waterjet Disruptor, which can be affixed on the ROV, is designed to disrupt a wide range of IEDs. It injects a projectile of water at high velocity to separate the key components of an IED. It offers a high probability of detonation of the device. The Disruptor is powered by an electrically initiated power cartridge, fired remotely from a safe location using a firing line and firing device.

MRF equipment

Auto Injectors (AIs) form a major component of a MRF trooper's arsenal. MRF troopers are trained to administer medication in the treatment of nerve agent injuries. When an individual has incurred nerve agent injuries, MRF troopers will administer the appropriate amount and composition of AIs, which will make the difference between life and death of the casualties.

The Mission Oriented Protective Posture Suit (MOPP) is a protective gear used by MRF troopers in chemical or biological toxic environments. It comprises several components - A protective mask, overgarments, gloves, and overboots.

- The Protective Gas Mask contains a filter against harmful chemical agents. Different canisters can be attached to the mask depending on the expected type of chemical agent released. The MRF is equipped with two different Gas Canisters which protect against the typical chemical agents and confers extended protection especially to inorganic agents respectively.

- The Overgarments are designed to protect the wearer's skin against biological and chemical agents. They contain a carbon lining that acts as a neutraliser against many chemical agents.

MRF also possesses a unique Filtered Bag Valve Mask (BVM) which is used for medical resuscitation when a chemical agent is released. These instruments are used to ventilate patients who are unable to support their own breathing. These BVMs also allow the attachment of different canisters depending on the agent that needs to be filtered against.