Numerous trapped casualties in seven vehicles, a cyclist under a truck, a chemical spill and a drink driver.

That nightmare scenario faced more than 50 firefighters on a training exercise in Elland .

Ten fire engines from Calderdale and Bradford were set the tough task of rescuing victims and deciding how to manage the drama.

The practice incident was set up on an industrial estate behind Morrisons and the dozens of officers who arrived had no idea what they faced when they set off.

They found five cars with screaming victims – all played by actors – on of which had flipped on its side.

See more pictures from the rescue below

There was also a lorry with an unconscious driver – again an actor – and a van with a mysterious chemical leaking from it.

To make things worse, a cyclist was crushed under the lorry while another had been knocked over a fence down an embankment next to the river Calder.

Even the Examiner got in the act with yours truly asked to play a “local journalist” and harass the incident commander for information about the unfolding tragedy.

Major incident Fire and Rescue service exercise on Century Road, Elland. Fire crews work to cut free victims in the vehicles at the scene.

All of the firefighters were judged by a team of observers.

The streets were closed off by police who were also taking part in the exercise. The ambulance service was unfortunately not able to participate.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service ’s Assistant District Commander for Calderdale, Toby May, said he was delighted with how his crews had performed.

“It’s gone really well,” he said. “It’s a really challenging exercise with a lot for the teams to do.

“The amateur dramatics society from Halifax have been really good in helping us out.

Hear from Asst Dist Cmdr May about the exercise below

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“We train like this all the time in the fire service as part of our daily duties. Crews will be exposed to training like this all through the year.

“We make sure the exercises are challenging and worthwhile.

“The feedback is they’ve enjoyed it because it’s been challenging and realistic.”

Major incident Fire and Rescue service exercise on Century Road, Elland. 'Victims' carried from the exercise scene.

Asst Dist Cmdr May said the public did not have to worry about such a large amount of firefighters being taken aside for training.

He added: “All these fire engines are still available and I would release them within minutes if there was a call.”