Hong Kong Island (HKI) Region conducted a multi-departmental exercise, codenamed "SUNSHADE", on the Central-Wanchai Bypass on December 13 to assess the Region's effectiveness of putting in place a command structure, procedures and response plans about major incidents. The interoperability of the Region and other stakeholders in handling serious incidents was also tested.

The exercise simulated a collision involving a coach and four vehicles in the tunnel. The vehicles were on fire and the drivers and passengers were trapped inside the vehicles, resulting in mass casualties. Officers from the Operations Wing of HKI, the Emergency Unit, the Police Tactical Unit and the Traffic Unit of HKI, the Regional Command and Control Centre HKI, Central District, Wanchai District and Eastern District took part in the exercise. Other participants included representatives of the Fire Services Department, the Highways Department, the Transport Department and the tunnel management company. The police units and related departments worked together to implement contingency plans, conduct evacuation and handle the casualties and other affected persons.

The exercise strengthened the ability of the frontline units to assess situations and communicate with other stakeholders, thereby enhancing their competence to respond to major incidents in the new tunnel.