Emergency call service experienced widespread outages across several states, including South Dakota, Nevada, Texas, and Nebraska, with reports suggesting as many as eight states were affected. Local law enforcement agencies used social media to inform residents about the 911-call failures, sparking concerns and speculation about a “purge.” However, emergency services in some areas have been restored, though the cause of the failure remains unknown.
In South Dakota, the entire statewide emergency calling system suffered an outage, affecting the entire state. The Rapid City Police Department announced the outage and confirmed service restoration by late Wednesday evening. Similarly, cities like Las Vegas, Nevada, also faced widespread outages, with the Las Vegas Police Department urging residents to call 911 from mobile devices while landline services were disrupted. Service was eventually restored in Nevada and South Dakota.
Multiple cities in Texas, such as Del Rio and Kilgore, reported outages due to issues with a major cellular carrier. The Del Rio Police Department clarified that the problem lay with the carrier and not the city’s systems. Meanwhile, in Nebraska, officials reported a partial statewide outage of 911 service, with some counties experiencing intermittent disruptions. However, by early Thursday morning, service had been restored in several Nebraska counties, including Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington.
Despite the restoration of service in some areas, the cause of the widespread outages remains unresolved. Law enforcement agencies and emergency responders continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to report any emergencies through alternative means if necessary. The incidents underscore the critical importance of reliable emergency communication systems and the need for robust infrastructure to prevent disruptions in vital services.
