Firefighters use old Metro carriage to train

12 December 2025

Jim Scottin Washington

News image — The carriage will eventually be used to train police and ambulance crews as well

BBC A training exercise that makes it look like a grey and yellow metro train has hit two grey cars at a level crossing. Two firefighters, who are wearing bright yellow helmets, are working on the nearest car. — The carriage will eventually be used to train police and ambulance crews as well

Fire crews have staged emergency situations on a decommissioned Metro carriage to help them train.

The 40-tonne carriage was donated to the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's (TWFRS) training centre at Barmston Mere in Washington, where it was placed on a stretch of purpose-built track so it could move in and out of a training tunnel.

Dale Howey from TWFRS said the training scenario possibilities were endless, including tunnel collapses, terrorist attacks, fires and collisions at level crossings.

He said the Tyne and Wear Metro was a "huge infrastructure" in the region, adding: "We've identified this as a risk we need to train for, in case something happens on the train."

He said it was "essential for the development of our firefighters that they are given the opportunity to experience and train in real life scenarios".

"We're able to protect our communities for years to come."

The inside of a Metro carriage is filled with smoke. Two firefighters, wearing bright yellow helmets with their visors down, are working inside. — Training scenario possibilities were "endless", Mr Howey said

The 95ft (29m), yellow No. 4019 carriage would eventually also be used for joint training with police and ambulance services, Mr Howey said.

TWFRS used to use a 1970s London underground carriage.

"The facilities were nowhere near as good as this," Mr Howey said.

"It wasn't real life, it wasn't local."

A grey and yellow Metro train carriage is half in a tunnel, half out. A grey car is pushed on its side in front of it. There are two firefighters in the far right corner, one of them is pointing at something out of shot. — The carriage is on a purpose-built track at the training centre in Washington

David Punton, from Metro operator Nexus, said it was "delighted" to donate the carriage and that it would help uphold safety standards.

"Having that back-up from fire and rescue service and having that level of training and familiarisation with the Metro, it's really important," he said.

Head of fleet and depot replacement Michael Richardson added: "The old carriage, which has served our customers for 45 years, is now playing a vital role."