Category Archives: public safety

Optus instructed to find ‘external party’ to review systems after triple-0 outages

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Communications Minister Calls for Independent Review of Optus After Fatal Triple-0 Outages

Communications Minister Anika Wells has instructed Optus to bring in an “independent and external party” as part of efforts to prevent another fatal triple-0 outage. However, no specific details have been provided regarding what this independent review will entail.

The minister met with the heads of Optus and its Singaporean parent company, Singtel, in Sydney on Tuesday morning, nearly two weeks after a 13-hour outage on September 18 was linked to multiple deaths. During the outage, hundreds of people—primarily in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory—were unable to reach emergency services when dialing triple-0.

Following the highly anticipated talks, Ms. Wells stated that she had urged the embattled telco to “find a way” to allow an external party to review their systems. She emphasized the importance of Australians gaining confidence from an external investigation and advice, rather than hearing only from Optus that the issues will be resolved.

Shortly after the minister’s media address, Optus chair John Arthur told reporters the company was committed to working with the government “to do whatever needs to be done,” but he was unable to provide specific details about the independent review. “We are always welcome to external perspectives and external views, and that remains the case here,” he said.

Over the weekend following the initial outage, a second failure left thousands of customers in the New South Wales town of Dapto unable to make emergency calls. Ms. Wells highlighted that having two outages “in short succession” has caused a “very serious lack of confidence” in Optus’s ability to deliver reliable triple-0 services.

She further revealed that she sought assurances from Optus chief executive Stephen Rue and Singtel’s chief Yuen Kuan Moon that corrective action would be taken. “No-one is shying away from the fact that Optus has not complied with their obligations to the Australian people and that is what needs to be fixed here,” Ms. Wells said. “I think Optus accepts that, that this is a compliance issue on their part.”

When asked whether Australians could be assured such incidents would not happen again now that the issue had been identified, Ms. Wells responded, “That’s a question that you should put to Optus, immediately.”

John Arthur reiterated that the cause of the initial outage was “process-related” and due to human error, rather than issues with money or investment. He added, “And in due course we will be talking about the extent of Singtel’s investment in Australia, which goes beyond Optus.”

### Optus Leadership and Accountability

Amid growing pressure on Optus to demonstrate its reliability, Singtel chief Yuen Kuan Moon was asked multiple times whether he fully supported Optus CEO Stephen Rue. Mr. Yuen stated that Mr. Rue was brought in almost a year ago specifically “to address issues” within Optus. “It is very early days, it takes time to transform a company,” he commented. “An initial investigation of the September 18 incident found that it was due to a people issue and it takes time to transform and change the people.”

Mr. Yuen also issued an apology to the friends and family of those whose deaths have been linked to the outage.

### Context and Ongoing Investigations

The recent triple-0 outages come just two years after a major Optus failure left thousands unable to call emergency services. In response, Optus was fined more than $12 million, and a comprehensive review was commissioned, resulting in numerous recommendations.

Australia’s communications watchdog has now launched an investigation into the September 18 incident, aiming to understand what went wrong and prevent such failures in the future.

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*Optus chief Stephen Rue and Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon have been contacted for further comment.*
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-30/optus-anika-wells-meet-about-triple-0-outrages/105833276

Punjab News: NHRC Issues Notices Over Delayed Rehabilitation Of LPG Tanker Blast Victims In Hoshiarpur

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**NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of LPG Tanker Blast Impact in Punjab**

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the aftermath of an LPG tanker blast in Mandiala village, Hoshiarpur, Punjab. The blast, which occurred over a month ago, tragically claimed seven lives and caused significant damage to several properties.

Despite the passage of time, affected families continue to struggle with rebuilding their houses and shops. While the government has reportedly released compensation for the kin of the deceased, the assessment of property damage is still underway.

### Human Rights Concerns

The Commission has noted that, if the details of the news report are accurate, they raise serious concerns regarding possible violations of the human rights of the victims. In response, the NHRC has issued notices to key authorities including the Chief Secretary of the Government of Punjab, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur, and the Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

These authorities have been called upon to submit a detailed report on the incident, including the current status of the investigation, within two weeks.

### Media Report Highlights

The media report, published on 23rd September 2025, highlights the ongoing challenges and trauma faced by the blast victims and their families, underscoring the urgent need for effective support and rehabilitation measures.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/punjab-news-nhrc-issues-notices-over-delayed-rehabilitation-of-lpg-tanker-blast-victims-in-hoshiarpur

Mumbai News: MMRCL Faces Public Concern Over Open-Air Design At Hutatma Chowk Metro Station

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Public Concern Over Lack of Protective Roof at Hutatma Chowk Metro Station Entrance

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) is facing rising public concern over the absence of a protective roof at the entrance of the newly constructed underground Hutatma Chowk Metro Station. Official images released by MMRCL on Sunday reveal that the station’s entry and exit points are completely open to the sky, raising fears about commuter safety, especially during Mumbai’s intense monsoon season.

Commuters and Activists Raise Concerns

Passenger safety advocates have expressed apprehensions that rainwater could flow down the exposed stairways and escalators, resulting in slippery surfaces and an increased risk of accidents. “The absence of a roof raises serious concerns about water entering the station during rains. Wet escalators and stairs could easily become hazardous for commuters,” said a passenger activist.

Heritage-Sensitive Design Explanation

Responding to these concerns, an MMRCL spokesperson told FPJ on Monday that the design of the Hutatma Chowk station was deliberately planned to respect the heritage character of the surrounding D.N. Road precinct, which includes iconic landmarks such as Flora Fountain and the Hutatma Chowk memorial.

“The station design was developed in consultation with heritage architects and has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee. To preserve the visual and architectural integrity of this historic area, all structures except lift shafts and some ventilation elements have been constructed underground.

The entry and exit points—made of stone and glass—are open to the sky and have been designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding heritage environment, in line with global practices in heritage zones,” the MMRCL said in an official statement.

Safety Measures and Infrastructure Features

MMRCL further clarified that the escalators installed at the entrance are rated for full outdoor usage and that rainwater drainage and flood-prevention systems are already in place.

“Commuter safety has been a key consideration. We assure the public that this is a conscious and approved heritage-sensitive design, aimed at enhancing the urban character of this historic area,” the spokesperson added.

Part of Mumbai Metro Line 3

The Hutatma Chowk Metro Station is part of Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ), a crucial infrastructure project expected to ease congestion and improve connectivity in the city.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-mmrcl-faces-public-concern-over-open-air-design-at-hutatma-chowk-metro-station

At Least 2 Dead After a Shooter Attacked a Mormon Church

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During the course of the incident, a fire occurred, which we believe was deliberately set by the suspect.

We anticipate that additional victims may be discovered once the scene is secured.

The fire was extinguished just within the past hour by the Grand Blanc Township Fire Department.
https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000010426647/michigan-fire-church-shooting.html

T-Boned in Denver! Honey Boo Boo Survives Terrifying Car Crash as Mama June Races to Her Side: ‘She’s Banged Up, But She’s Okay’

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**Alana ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Thompson Involved in Car Accident in Denver**

*Published: September 28, 2025, 5:30 p.m. ET*

Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson was involved in a car accident in Denver on Friday, September 26, while running an errand, RadarOnline.com can report.

The 20-year-old reality TV star was pulling out of her driveway when another driver “T-boned” her vehicle while driving down the road. Her mother, Mama June Shannon, broke the news in an Instagram video, calling it her daughter’s “first car wreck” but assuring fans that she is “okay” and “resting.”

### The Crash

Mama June filmed the update from a crowded airport before boarding a flight to be by her daughter’s side. She explained that Honey Boo Boo had been leaving her house when the accident happened, and said the 23-year-old male driver admitted fault.

“He admitted that he was going 40 mph and probably wasn’t paying attention,” she told followers, adding that the impact hit the driver’s side of her daughter’s car. “It could have been a lot worse,” she said.

Following the crash, Thompson was taken to the hospital but has since been discharged and is recovering at home. According to her mother, she is experiencing both back pain and “headache issues.”

### Mama June Speaks Out

Mama June shared further details in the caption of her Instagram post:

*”Today has definitely been a crazy day since 3 o’clock. This is what I hate—that Alana Thompson is 23 hours away, but she is following her dreams. When you get that phone call and your stomach drops and all you can hear is someone hollering — trust me, I’ll do a story time about it tomorrow — but she is at home. She is resting.”*

She added that her daughter “is banged up a little bit but other than that she is OK—first car wreck.”

Mama June explained that Thompson had been “just going to get her hair done” when the crash occurred.

### Honey Boo Boo Is Going to School

Despite the ordeal, Honey Boo Boo is determined to continue with her plans.

“Her phone call was to the police, or second phone call was to her clinical director because tomorrow would’ve been her first day that she would’ve started clinicals, and she’s still saying that she’s gonna get up in the morning and go; we will see…” Mama June revealed.

Thompson is currently pursuing a nursing degree at Regis University in Denver. Mama June said she was traveling to Denver “to get her rental car, get the car situation figured out, and make sure that she is OK.”

She later told outlets she was “thankful” the outcome wasn’t worse, adding:

“If Honey Boo Boo had pulled out of her residence just moments earlier, it would’ve been a whole different visit.”

### The Family Drama

While this was Thompson’s first accident as a driver, she was previously involved in a wreck over a decade ago in 2014.

At that time, her father, Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson, was behind the wheel with Mama June and sisters Lauryn and Jessica when another vehicle struck them during a left turn.

Reflecting on the incident, Honey Boo Boo questioned whether her father’s actions were intentional.

“There were just times when my dad, he would just get super angry and he let his anger issues just get the best of him,” she told outlets. “So you never really knew when he was angry, what would happen. It was just always up in the air.”

She added: “There [were] times [when] he would just rip his clothes off or just throw things or punch walls. It was just a little scary. You never know what could happen when he got angry.”

The star also admitted that she does not have much contact with her father.

“I can’t even tell you the last time I talked to him. That’s how long it’s been,” she said.

The accident comes just months after the May premiere of a dramatized Lifetime documentary about her life, which drew mixed reviews.
https://radaronline.com/p/denver-honey-boo-boo-survives-car-crash-mama-june/

Thane News: Bhiwandi Nizampura City Municipal Corporation Registers 3 FIRs For Illegal Road Digging And Water Connections

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**Thane: BNCMC Launches Strict Drive Against Illegal Road Digging and Water Connections**

The Bhiwandi Nizampura City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) has initiated a stringent drive targeting violators involved in unauthorized road digging for drainage installations and illegal water connections. Acting under the directives of Municipal Commissioner Anmol Sagar, the corporation registered three FIRs against individuals accused in separate incidents.

### Incident 1: Road Dug for Drainage Line

The first case occurred at Roshan Baug near Dhobi Talav Stadium in Bhiwandi, where Asif Shaikh allegedly dug up a corporation-owned road and installed a drainage line without permission. This unauthorized activity caused a financial loss of ₹98,000 to the corporation. Consequently, an FIR was lodged against him at the Bhoiwada police station under sections 324(4), 324(5), and 326(B) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.

### Incident 2: Illegal Water Connections

In the second incident, Naseem Akhtar Ansari, a plumber, was found to have tapped into the corporation’s main water pipeline at Roshan Baug without approval. Officials confirmed that he had created seven illegal water connections, resulting in a loss of ₹84,000 to the BNCMC. An FIR was registered against Naseem under sections 324(4), 326(A), and 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita at the Bhoiwada police station.

### Incident 3: Unauthorized Pipeline Taps

The third case was reported on Dargah Road, Bhiwandi, where Samir Mohammad Yusuf Momin allegedly tapped five illegal connections from the main water pipeline without the corporation’s consent. Action is being taken in accordance with relevant laws.

### Enforcement Team

The drive was conducted by a team led by civic officer Nafees Momin, along with engineer Sandeep Patnawar, Sarfaraz Ansari, Viraj Bhoir, and supporting staff members.

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For more updates and to explore exclusive, budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/thane-news-bhiwandi-nizampura-city-municipal-corporation-registers-3-firs-for-illegal-road-digging-and-water-connections

Pune Shocking Video: Four Stray Dogs Attack, Drag Minor Girl On Road

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In a shocking incident in Pune, a minor girl was attacked and dragged by four stray dogs. The CCTV footage of the attack has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread concern.

As seen in the video, the girl was playing with a friend near her building when four stray dogs suddenly approached and attacked her. The dogs even dragged her for some distance before two men riding by on bikes arrived and successfully intervened, saving the girl from further harm.

The exact time and location of the incident remain unclear. However, this alarming event once again highlights the urgent need for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to take immediate measures to control the growing stray dog menace in the city.

Meanwhile, a similar incident occurred recently in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Chikhali area. CCTV footage shows a young man walking to his workplace through a narrow lane when he was suddenly attacked from behind by a pack of seven stray dogs.

In a bid to defend himself, the man pushed over a nearby bike onto the dogs and tried to scare them away using a flex board. Despite his efforts, he sustained injuries during the attack.

Following this incident, local residents have demanded that the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) take swift and effective action to manage and control the stray dog population to prevent such attacks in the future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-shocking-video-four-stray-dogs-attack-drag-minor-girl-on-road

Police gather for funeral of 3 Pennsylvania detectives ambushed by gunman

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**Hundreds Gather for Funeral Services Honoring Slain Northern York County Detectives**

*Red Lion, Pa., September 25, 2025* — Hundreds of police officers gathered on Thursday for a closed funeral service honoring three Northern York County Regional Police detectives who were tragically shot and killed last week. Detectives Cody Michael Becker, Mark Edward Baker, and Isaiah Emenheiser lost their lives in the line of duty while responding to a call involving a stalking suspect.

The service was held at Living Word Community Church in Red Lion, beginning at noon following a motorcade that escorted the detectives’ bodies from a local funeral home. Although the ceremony was closed to the public, the church provided an online stream of the service.

This marks the second time this year that Living Word Community Church has hosted services for officers killed in the line of duty.

**Details of the Incident**

Autopsy results released this week revealed that all three detectives died from multiple gunshot wounds. The attack occurred when the suspect, 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, opened fire as officers arrived and entered the home of a woman he was accused of stalking. Two other officers were seriously wounded in the exchange of gunfire. Ruth died at the scene.

York County District Attorney Tim Barker stated that Ruth had likely planned to ambush the woman he was stalking.

**Remembering the Officers**

The three detectives were veterans of the Northern York County Regional Police Department and are remembered as dedicated public servants devoted to their families and community.

– **Sergeant Cody Michael Becker**, 39, of Spring Grove, had served on the force for 16 years. A star multisport athlete in high school, Becker was known for his bravery — notably climbing to the second story of a burning building in 2010 to rescue children escaping through a window. He is survived by his wife and two children. A separate public funeral service for Becker will be held Sunday at Spring Grove Area High School.

– **Detective Mark Edward Baker**, 53, of Dover, was a U.S. Army veteran who previously served three years with the Philadelphia Police Department before joining Northern Regional in 2004. He specialized in computer forensics and had been a detective for 15 years. Baker was an Eagle Scout and an active adult Scouting leader. He is survived by his wife and four children; a fifth child predeceased him.

– **Detective Isaiah Emenheiser**, 43, of York, graduated from York College with a degree in criminal justice and served in the U.S. Secret Service before joining Northern Regional. During his more than 20 years with the department, Emenheiser earned multiple honors, including being named officer of the year, and made over 100 DUI arrests in 2010 alone. He was also recognized for his heroism when he rescued a man from a burning mobile home in 2005. Outside of work, Emenheiser enjoyed fitness, home renovations, and coaching youth soccer. He is survived by his wife and two children.

**Community Response**

The tragic loss has deeply affected the Northern York County community and law enforcement agencies throughout the region. Many have expressed condolences and praised the detectives for their dedicated service.

Living Word Community Church’s online streaming of the funeral allowed members of the public and law enforcement officers from across the country to pay their respects.

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**Related:** Has job hunting as a Black Gen Zer come with more halts and frustration than expected? You’re not alone. Unemployment rates for Black/African American youth in Philadelphia remain higher than other demographics.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/state_and_region/police-gather-for-funeral-of-3-pennsylvania-detectives-ambushed-by-gunman/article_ae769fe9-c573-49d9-adaa-79e56009fcc3.html

Maharashtra rains: 790 rescued in Solapur floods by local administration, army

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In the wake of severe flooding caused by torrential rains from September 21 to 23, several villages in Solapur District, particularly in Madha Taluka, were left inundated and in urgent need of assistance.

Responding to a call from the NDRF and local administration, a team from the RESQ Charitable Trust-Sahyadri Vanyajeev Rakshanarth Samajik Sanstha (SVRSS), working in close coordination with the Indian Army, the tehsildar, and the local MLA, launched large-scale rescue operations to safeguard human lives and animals stranded by the floodwaters. The operations commenced at dawn on Tuesday.

Over the course of the mission, approximately 790 citizens were successfully evacuated to safe locations. Among those rescued were vulnerable individuals, including a three-week-old infant, elderly citizens, and people suffering from chronic illnesses. Importantly, no human lives were lost during these floods.

Recognising that floods also pose a serious threat to animal life, the team extended its mission to include veterinary-supported evacuations. Nearly 90 animals, including cows, buffaloes, calves, and dogs, were rescued and relocated to safety. Tragically, hundreds of livestock that could not be untied in time perished in the floods. However, all the remaining animals were successfully moved to safer ground once the team reached them.

The operations were not without challenges. Even under the cover of darkness, a dramatic night rescue in Kedav village led to 13 citizens being brought out safely from life-threatening conditions.

While lives were saved, the devastation has left a trail of destruction: several families have lost their homes, and hundreds of animals were lost to the deluge.

The operation was executed by dedicated RESQ-SVRSS team members, including Sagar Dahimbekar, Prayag Bamgude, Sanket More, Sachin Yevale, Aadesh Patekar, Paresh Mahabale, Ashutosh Shinde, Shubham Singh, Dr. Satvik Pathak, Dr. Anisha Bhisey, and Suresh Ghadge, whose coordinated efforts helped ensure the success of this life-saving mission.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-rains-790-rescued-in-solapur-floods-by-local-administration-and-army-team-23595785

‘Tere Jaisi 10 Rakhi Hai Mere Paas…’: Noida Cab Driver Abuses, Attempts To Attack Women Passengers With Stick; Arrested – Shocking Video

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**Noida Cab Driver Arrested for Verbally Abusing and Threatening Women Passengers**

A cab driver in Noida was arrested on Tuesday, September 23, after a video of him verbally abusing and attempting to attack a group of women passengers with a stick went viral on social media. The incident, reported from Sector 128, has raised serious concerns about the safety of female passengers in the city.

**What Happened?**

According to a detailed Instagram post by passenger Tashu Gupta, five women had booked an Uber cab from Botanical Garden metro station to their office in Sector 128. The vehicle, registered as UP 16 QT 4732, was driven by a man named Brijesh.

Gupta explained that the women requested the driver to take the underpass instead of making a U-turn due to heavy traffic. However, despite their repeated requests, the driver ignored them and took the U-turn.

When the passengers questioned his decision, the driver became aggressive. Gupta quoted him saying in Hindi, “Chup chap se baithi reh, jo maps par dikha raha hai vahi se leke jaunga” (Sit quietly, I will only drive as per the map).

When the women asked him to speak politely, he responded with abusive language: “Tere jaisi 10 rakhi hai mere paas kaam karne ke liye, 12-13 gadiyan chalti hain meri” (I have ten like you working for me, I run 12-13 cars).

**Escalation of the Incident**

Gupta further alleged that when she tried to step out of the cab, the driver pushed her and demanded payment. The situation escalated when the driver retrieved a white rod from the car’s trunk and threatened to hit the passengers.

She recalled him saying, “Tu ruk, tujhe to main abhi batata hun, aaj tujhe maarke jail bhi jana pade to chala jaunga” (Wait, I will deal with you right now, even if I have to go to jail for it).

The passengers then began filming the driver, after which he allegedly tried to snatch their phone.

**Police and Uber Respond**

Noida Police acted swiftly after the video surfaced on social media. ACP-1 Praveen Kumar confirmed that the accused driver was identified and arrested within half an hour of the video going viral.

“Necessary legal action is underway,” he added.

Uber India also responded to the incident, stating, “Hey there, this is concerning. Such behavior is unacceptable, and we prioritize your safety above all else. Kindly send your registered Uber account contact details through Direct Message, and our safety team will contact you shortly.”

**Public and Official Reactions**

In her Instagram post, Gupta tagged local police, women’s helplines, and government officials, urging strict action against the driver and calling the incident a “major safety concern for women”.

This incident highlights the ongoing need for stringent measures to ensure the safety and dignity of female passengers using cab services in urban areas.

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*Stay safe and report any such incidents immediately to appropriate authorities.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/noida-cab-driver-abuses-attempts-to-attack-women-passengers-with-stick-shocking-video