Staff shortages left some 112 calls unanswered in eastern Netherlands

The eastern Netherlands ambulance control room could not answer all 112 calls on several nights in recent months.

The problem was caused by staff shortages.

Callers were redirected to emergency control rooms in other regions, though some calls still could not be answered by the local room.

The control room serves people calling 112, the emergency number in the Netherlands.

The shortage matters because callers need emergency calls handled promptly.

A spokesperson acknowledged the problem and said measures are being taken.