On Tuesday afternoon, Chile faced a massive blackout as more than eight million households lost electricity due to a transmission line failure, leading to significant disruptions across the nation, particularly in the capital, Santiago.
Chile Experiences Massive Power Outage: Public Transport Paralyzed and Citizens Stranded
Chile Experiences Massive Power Outage: Public Transport Paralyzed and Citizens Stranded
A widespread power failure leaves over eight million Chileans in darkness, causing chaos in major cities.
The outage triggered the immediate suspension of the underground train system that typically carries around 2.3 million passengers daily. Stranded commuters described their experience as being "like sardines in the dark," as they navigated the pitch-black metro stations, some using mobile phone flashlights to illuminate their paths. The chaos continued as firefighters were called to rescue numerous individuals stuck in lifts, including a 70-year-old woman who, trapped between floors, had to shout for help.
Metro de Santiago reported that the evacuation of the underground subway was successfully completed within 90 minutes, but delays persisted well into the evening. Commuters faced long queues at bus stops, with frustrated passengers unable to board overcrowded buses amidst a surge of early workers returning home due to office closures. Reports indicated that some individuals opted to walk long distances, battling summer heat as they left the city.
With traffic signals out of commission due to the power failure, various accidents occurred, compounding transportation woes. Among those affected was a waitress, Sharon Ortiz, who reported arriving two hours late for work due to the public transport collapse.
The power outage also impacted businesses throughout the city, leading many establishments to shut down as cash registers and refrigerators failed. However, some restaurants remained open to provide a temporary refuge for stranded travelers. A startling scene unfolded at Fantasilandia amusement park, where numerous guests remained suspended on a roller coaster until it was deemed safe to evacuate.
As night fell, hospitals relied on backup generators for crucial power, while the government declared a state of emergency, imposing a night curfew to maintain order citywide. Amid the turmoil, some residents found a silver lining, sharing images online of the stunning night sky, noting that the absence of light pollution allowed for a clearer view of the Milky Way.
Metro de Santiago reported that the evacuation of the underground subway was successfully completed within 90 minutes, but delays persisted well into the evening. Commuters faced long queues at bus stops, with frustrated passengers unable to board overcrowded buses amidst a surge of early workers returning home due to office closures. Reports indicated that some individuals opted to walk long distances, battling summer heat as they left the city.
With traffic signals out of commission due to the power failure, various accidents occurred, compounding transportation woes. Among those affected was a waitress, Sharon Ortiz, who reported arriving two hours late for work due to the public transport collapse.
The power outage also impacted businesses throughout the city, leading many establishments to shut down as cash registers and refrigerators failed. However, some restaurants remained open to provide a temporary refuge for stranded travelers. A startling scene unfolded at Fantasilandia amusement park, where numerous guests remained suspended on a roller coaster until it was deemed safe to evacuate.
As night fell, hospitals relied on backup generators for crucial power, while the government declared a state of emergency, imposing a night curfew to maintain order citywide. Amid the turmoil, some residents found a silver lining, sharing images online of the stunning night sky, noting that the absence of light pollution allowed for a clearer view of the Milky Way.
