Only a drill: Rescuers practice at Philly sports complex

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management said emergency workers conducted exercises around the South Philadelphia sports complex on Wednesday.

The drill began at 9 a.m. and wrapped up at 1 p.m.

Authorities called it a "functional exercise to decontamination response during a mass casualty incident due to an intentional hazardous chemical release."

In a statement released before the drill began, officials said:

As part of its ongoing inter-agency response capabilities, the Office of Emergency Management, Philadelphia Police and Philadelphia Fire departments, and SEPTA will participate in a functional exercise. The exercise will simulate a decontamination response during a mass casualty incident, due to an intentional chemical release at SEPTA's AT&T station.

During the exercise, Police, Fire, SEPTA, and OEM responders will arrive on scene. Decontamination stations will be set up to aid those playing the role of the injured. Approximately 150 first response personnel will participant in the exercise, and nearly 75 volunteers who will play the part of the injured.