A widespread telecommunications outage on Wednesday left POST Luxembourg customers unable to reach emergency services, prompting the CGDIS to implement contingency measures.
On Wednesday evening, our colleagues from RTL Télé spoke with Michel Demuth, head of operations at the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), regarding the nationwide telecommunications outage that disrupted emergency services earlier in the afternoon.
According to Demuth, the CGDIS began experiencing operational difficulties at 5pm when users of the Post Luxembourg network found themselves unable to call the emergency number 112. He clarified that the issue was isolated to Post customers, with other service providers remaining unaffected.
Contingency plan activated
In response, the CGDIS activated its Operations Control Centre (CGO) to coordinate staff and promptly notified the public via social media and the LU-Alert system. Internally, fire stations were instructed to prepare for potential walk-in emergencies, ensuring they could assist individuals reporting incidents in person.
How should citizens react in an emergency?
Demuth advised citizens facing connectivity issues to first attempt switching to another network provider if possible. For medical emergencies, he recommended transporting patients directly to the nearest hospital.
In cases involving fires or other urgent hazards, the public was urged to visit the closest fire station, where personnel could relay the emergency to the 112 despatch centre via radio.
The Post network outage also complicated efforts to mobilise CGDIS personnel. By 7pm, only 75% of Luxembourg's fire stations were fully staffed, though Demuth noted that full coverage was achieved within 30 minutes.
The disruption was resolved by approximately 8pm, with POST confirming at 8.15pm that services had been fully reinstated. Both the 112 emergency line and the police emergency number 113 are now functioning normally for all POST customers.
