First Responders Drill Mass Casualty Incident at VCU’s Siegel Center

Richmond Petersburg, VA, September 30, 2026 —

A large-scale training exercise involving hundreds of participants was conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center, simulating a mass casualty incident. The drill brought together first responders, volunteers, and hospital staff from across the Richmond region.

The scenario designed for the training exercise involved a simulated bleacher collapse that occurred during a hypothetical VCU basketball game. The objective was to rigorously test and evaluate the coordinated response capabilities of various agencies and personnel.

Key aspects of the simulated emergency response were put to the test. These included the procedures for the evacuation of the venue, the critical process of triaging patients to prioritize care, the logistics of transporting injured individuals, and the effectiveness of inter-agency communication channels during a high-stress event. The exercise aimed to identify areas for improvement in preparedness and response strategies for real-world emergencies.

The participants in this extensive drill represented a broad spectrum of the emergency response and healthcare community. The precise number of agencies involved was not specified in the provided details. The simulation provided a realistic environment for these professionals to practice their skills and protocols in a controlled setting.

Information regarding the specific outcomes of the drill, such as identified violations, lessons learned, or follow-up actions, was not available. Similarly, details on any simulated fines or penalties that may have been part of the exercise were not provided. The training exercise concluded without further specified incident beyond its simulation objectives.

Story summarized from the original created by Cameron Thompson on www.wtvr.com, see more information here.

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