UK: 999 mix up sees crews rush to model train accident

[John Ashworth]

999 mix up sees crews rush to model train accident

Train enthusiasts were left stunned after 999 crews sped to the scene of a minor accident at a miniature railway.

Telegraph
10:11AM BST 11 Apr 2012

The mix up came after bungling emergency services call handlers misheard a 999 call requesting help after a "miniature train accident" as a "military train accident".

Two ambulance crews and a police car shot to the scene - but heavy rain luckily prevented the air ambulance being launched at a huge cost to the taxpayer.

When they arrived 999 crews were greeted by bemused train enthusiasts enjoying an afternoon riding the three-quarter mile long miniature railway in Canvey Island, Essex.

Further investigation revealed organisers had called the emergency services as a precaution after three passengers suffered minor injuries after falling from the model train.

Mike Leahey, chairman of the Canvey Railway and Model Engineering, said: "No one could understand why there was so much fuss for such a minor event.

"We called for an ambulance, but they must have misheard what we said. It was just a big misunderstanding.

"The emergency crews said they thought they had been called to a military railway, which is why there was such a big response.

"It was a good job they did not send the helicopter because it was quite a mix-up."

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Police were called at 2pm on Sunday to a report three people were injured after being thrown from the miniature railway in Somnes Avenue, Canvey.

"Police found three with minor injuries, but no further action was required."