On Thursday, May 2, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the I-49 North Safety Coalition will hold a disaster drill on a closed section of the new Interstate 49 near Mira. The drill will simulate a major crash with mass casualties on the new Interstate.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Caddo Fire District No. 8, Caddo Fire District No. 7, Caddo Fire District No. 1, North Caddo E.M.S., Bossier Parish E.M.S., Balentine Ambulance, Life Air Rescue, Life Net in Texarkana, and Shreveport Fire Communications will all be participating.

Media that would like to cover this event should go to the I-49 exit at Mira-Myrtis Road in north Caddo Parish at 8:30 a.m. A staging area will be designated for you nearby.

The I-49 North Safety Coalition was formed in November of 2012 to encourage emergency preparedness with the challenges of the new roadway and to enhance cooperation between North Caddo Parish emergency responders.

Sections of the interstate are scheduled to open in the summer of 2013.