08/13/2026
Yesterday, the Quad Cities International Airport in Moline conducted a large-scale, FAA-mandated mass-casualty emergency exercise to test our region’s preparedness and response capabilities.
The exercise simulated a commercial aircraft crash with 70 people on board, requiring fire suppression, emergency triage, patient transportation, and coordination among multiple agencies and area hospitals.
More than 50 volunteers participated as simulated victims, helping put our first responders, communication systems, transportation resources, and hospitals to the test in a realistic emergency scenario.
The exercise brought together fire and police departments from Quad Cities International Airport Public Safety Department, Moline, Rock Island, and Coal Valley, QC MetroLINK, regional medical centers, and other emergency response partners. Full-scale exercises like this are required by the FAA every three years and provide an important opportunity to practice how agencies would work together during a major aviation emergency.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this exercise a success. Training together today helps ensure our community is prepared when it matters most.
Great work by all!