Menu
16/06/2004
Fire at BT exchange disrupts phone services
Up to 25,000 BT customers have had their services disrupted after a fire broke in a telephone exchange in Scotland last night.
The fire at the facility on Mansfield Road, Musselburgh, mostly affected customers around Musselburgh, Longniddry and Gullane where landlines and some mobile phones are out of operation – including 999 services.
BT engineers have reconnected services in Pencaitland and Cockenzie but a large number of subscribers and mobile phones are still out of operation.
The public has been asked to be patient and not to make use of emergency services or telephones, including mobiles, unnecessarily.
Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguards, health and council officials met BT executives this morning to assess the scale of the difficulty and monitor contingency plans put into effect earlier today.
A police spokesman said: "Engineers are working to assess the scale of the damage caused by the fire and until that work is carried out it is uncertain how long it will take to restore services. Emergency calls will be given priority when services are restored.
"However the emergency group are asking the public to look out for relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable. In particular they are concerned for elderly people or those who are sick who have difficulty in contacting doctors or emergency services for themselves.
"To enable people to contact emergency services additional patrols of police officers and high visibility police vehicles will be in the area. All police stations will be open 24 hours a day in the affected areas. Any member of the public could approach any emergency service vehicle or member of staff on duty who would be able to make radio contact."
(gmcg)
The fire at the facility on Mansfield Road, Musselburgh, mostly affected customers around Musselburgh, Longniddry and Gullane where landlines and some mobile phones are out of operation – including 999 services.
BT engineers have reconnected services in Pencaitland and Cockenzie but a large number of subscribers and mobile phones are still out of operation.
The public has been asked to be patient and not to make use of emergency services or telephones, including mobiles, unnecessarily.
Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguards, health and council officials met BT executives this morning to assess the scale of the difficulty and monitor contingency plans put into effect earlier today.
A police spokesman said: "Engineers are working to assess the scale of the damage caused by the fire and until that work is carried out it is uncertain how long it will take to restore services. Emergency calls will be given priority when services are restored.
"However the emergency group are asking the public to look out for relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable. In particular they are concerned for elderly people or those who are sick who have difficulty in contacting doctors or emergency services for themselves.
"To enable people to contact emergency services additional patrols of police officers and high visibility police vehicles will be in the area. All police stations will be open 24 hours a day in the affected areas. Any member of the public could approach any emergency service vehicle or member of staff on duty who would be able to make radio contact."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 July 2007
Massive emergency operation underway following floods
A massive emergency operation is underway in order to provide clean water to 350,000 people in Gloucestershire who have been stranded without running water since Sunday.
Massive emergency operation underway following floods
A massive emergency operation is underway in order to provide clean water to 350,000 people in Gloucestershire who have been stranded without running water since Sunday.
25 July 2012
Jogger Killed By Fallen Power Cable
A man has died while out jogging when an electricity cable came down in a field. Emergency services were called to Debden Road in Newport, near Saffron Walden, Essex, at 20:40 on Tuesday.
Jogger Killed By Fallen Power Cable
A man has died while out jogging when an electricity cable came down in a field. Emergency services were called to Debden Road in Newport, near Saffron Walden, Essex, at 20:40 on Tuesday.
15 August 2014
Murder Investigation Launched After 3-Year-Old Found In Hotel Swimming Pool
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a three-year-old girl at a hotel in Lancashire. It is understood that the child died after being pulled from a swimming pool at Dalmeny Hotel on South Promenade in St Annes. Emergency services responded to a report that a child was "drowning" on Thursday morning.
Murder Investigation Launched After 3-Year-Old Found In Hotel Swimming Pool
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a three-year-old girl at a hotel in Lancashire. It is understood that the child died after being pulled from a swimming pool at Dalmeny Hotel on South Promenade in St Annes. Emergency services responded to a report that a child was "drowning" on Thursday morning.
01 August 2013
Bodies Uncovered At Edinburgh Hotel During 'Chemical Incident'
Emergency services responding to an ongoing chemical incident have uncovered the bodies of a man and woman at the Scotsman Hotel on North Bridge, Edinburgh. Some 20 fire-fighters remain at the scene of the incident, which began at around 12:15 this afternoon.
Bodies Uncovered At Edinburgh Hotel During 'Chemical Incident'
Emergency services responding to an ongoing chemical incident have uncovered the bodies of a man and woman at the Scotsman Hotel on North Bridge, Edinburgh. Some 20 fire-fighters remain at the scene of the incident, which began at around 12:15 this afternoon.
27 August 2014
Woman Arrested Following House Fire
A woman aged in her 30s has been arrested following a house fire in Ruabon, Wales. At around 5.08am this morning (27 August), emergency services responded to reports of a house fire in Wynn Avenue, Ruabon. Neighbours were able to help a girl, 10, and a seven-year-old boy from the fire.
Woman Arrested Following House Fire
A woman aged in her 30s has been arrested following a house fire in Ruabon, Wales. At around 5.08am this morning (27 August), emergency services responded to reports of a house fire in Wynn Avenue, Ruabon. Neighbours were able to help a girl, 10, and a seven-year-old boy from the fire.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
