UK TREND: Twitter’s reaction to 999 phone line failure
Following a “technical fault” that affected multiple police forces, the Metropolitan Police advised the public against dialing 999 and instead suggested using the alternative number, 101. Expressing concern, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf described the situation as a “saga” and revealed an ongoing collaboration with Scottish Fire and Rescue to address the issue.
Reaction to 999 phone line failure
The news sparked a trending topic on Twitter, with users expressing shock and asserting that this incident further exemplifies the perceived decline of the country.
'Don't call 999': Police issue urgent warning as phone lines down for forces across UK https://t.co/WP2e3tHOoT pic.twitter.com/9xR9oC20w3
— Syukri Abdul Aziz (@syukazizz) June 25, 2023
The public was taken aback by the unexpected failure of the 999 phone lines, assuming that a country like Britain would have reliable backup systems in place. Expressing their disbelief, they took to Twitter, stating that this incident is indicative of a deteriorating country, and questioning how such a critical service could falter.
How can do he 999 lines go down 🤷♀️ surely they have a back up and then a back up of this…honestly this country is falling apart 🙄
— Vic ❤️ (@CheekyVic) June 25, 2023
No 999 Emergency Service today lines down across all the UK but you can use 101 😎
— isthatyoumusky (@isthatyoumusky) June 25, 2023
Additionally, individuals questioned why such a significant incident did not trigger the national alert system to safeguard the well-being of the nation’s residents.
Several police forces, including West Yorkshire, Hampshire, and South Wales police, took to Twitter to address the situation. Nevertheless, not all individuals are active on social media platforms, resulting in potential consequences for uninformed people.
Is 999 line being down not enough to push through the national alert system? Stay safe
— kazzafazza (@KarenFallon0310) June 25, 2023
A Twitter user provided evidence of the severe repercussions faced by individuals due to the phone lines being inaccessible. In her tweet, she highlighted the distressing situation where people experiencing seizures attempted to seek assistance since 6 am in the morning but received no response.
999 phone line to police, fire and ambulance was down this morning. Appears ambulance is now up and running at reduced capacity so call in emergency. But people with seizures trying to get help since 6 this morning trying to get through to 111. Four hours potentially pic.twitter.com/zhVaTXPHYe
— Nikki Fox BBC (@nikkijfox) June 25, 2023
Another user on Twitter recounted the troublesome ordeals faced by both herself and her family members, which they attributed to the state of affairs in “broken Britain.” In her tweet, she mentioned being stranded on the M1 highway due to a collision while her parents were stuck at St Pancras station due to a power outage, in addition to the unavailability of the 999 phone lines.
We are stuck on the M1 due to a crash.
My parents are stuck in St Pancras due to the power lines being out.
999 lines have been down according to the news.
Broken Britain…
— Mary 🧡🇬🇧🇪🇺🇧🇴😷💉x5 (@running4rights) June 25, 2023
Several individuals took to Twitter, expressing their intention to stay at home and avoid taking any risks, given the unavailability of the 999 phone lines.
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