Teen driver dies near Southampton after iPhone crash call ignored

George Dillon, a 19-year-old, tragically died after his car crashed into a tree near Southampton. His iPhone automatically dialed emergency services, indicating he was in a serious accident and unresponsive. However, when police called back, the call went to voicemail, and the officers did not attend the scene due to a lack of distinctive sounds or distress. The police's intelligence team was unable to identify the caller, leading to a delay in response. The incident occurred on a road in Romsey, where Dillon lost control of his VW Golf. The automated call was received by Hampshire Constabulary at 10:26 PM, but it wasn't until a member of the public called at 10:45 PM that police were alerted to the situation. The coroner, Henry Charles, expressed concerns about the police's understanding of automated emergency calls and the need for better training and procedures to handle such situations. Charles highlighted that false alarms from electronic devices are common, and the locations provided can often be inaccurate, which complicates police responses. He emphasized the importance of responding to automated calls, especially when there is an indication of a collision that could pose a risk to life. The coroner's report called for improvements in police protocols to prevent future tragedies. The case has raised significant questions about the effectiveness of emergency response systems and the need for law enforcement to adapt to new technologies. The coroner's recommendations aim to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future, emphasizing the duty of police to respond promptly to potential emergencies.