diff --git a/openbsc/src/gsm_04_08.c b/openbsc/src/gsm_04_08.c
index 281982e..156927f 100644
--- a/openbsc/src/gsm_04_08.c
+++ b/openbsc/src/gsm_04_08.c
@@ -1404,6 +1404,7 @@
 	 * imagine an IMSI DETACH happening during an active call! */
 
 	/* subscriber is detached: should we release lchan? */
+	lchan_auto_release(msg->lchan);
 
 	return 0;
 }