A LORRY and tram crash, a fire, power outage and multi-vehicle collision had to be tackled by the emergency services.

Roads were gridlocked, several people were trapped on the trams and others were left injured — these were some of the scenarios that firefighters were faced with as they undertook a live training simulation designed to prepare them for a major incident.

Crews put to the test skills which they use on a daily basis in real life.

During the complex simulation, a HGV collided with a tram, resulting in a multi-vehicle crash which left a number of people injured and others dead.

The HGV was carrying unknown chemicals and the tram caught fire as a result of the collision leaving people trapped in the carriages. Fighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to tackle the fire, and technical rescue equipment and cutting in gear to rescue those who were trapped.

Fire crews, police, ambulance staff and other agency workers from across Bolton, Bury and beyond threw themselves into the exercise, which was held at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's (GMFRS) training and safety centre in Hinds Lane, Bury.

Group Manager Tony Bryan, who is the resilience manager at GMFRS, said: “This was a complex scenario which gave us the chance to put our skills and knowledge to the test, working with our partners who we deal with at real incidents.

“The incident was in the city centre during peak time with concerts, football matches and much more going on, which provided us with lots of real-life challenges.

“The exercise was a success for all. It’s crucial to keep refreshing our learning and training to develop and enhance the current skills of colleagues."