The joint field exercise SAREX-26, organised by the Directorate General “Civil Aviation Administration” at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, was held today in the Banderishka Polyana area in Pirin National Park. The exercise tested the preparedness of the institutions and their coordination in responding to an aviation accident in a hard-to-reach mountainous area.
The scenario involved an incident with a passenger aircraft carrying 105 people. The participants practised searching for and rescuing casualties, providing first aid, evacuation, and managing the consequences of a fire.
“The preparation and joint training of all the structures involved are key to an effective response in real crisis situations and to protecting human life,” said the Director General of the Directorate General “Civil Aviation Administration”, Aneliya Marinova.
The main objective of SAREX-26 was to assess the capability of the structures involved to respond jointly to an aviation accident and to improve coordination and interaction between the institutions.
Adverse weather conditions, including dense fog and rain, posed additional challenges for the participants. Due to the weather constraints, no aircraft took part in the practical part of the exercise.
The exercise was attended by representatives of the Chief Directorate “Fire Safety and Civil Protection”, the Chief Directorate “Border Police”, the Bulgarian Air Force, the Mountain Rescue Service of the Bulgarian Red Cross, medical teams, rescuers with dogs, Pirin National Park, volunteer units and other partner organisations.
