On Tuesday afternoon, a massive power outage affected more than eight million households across Chile after a transmission line failure. The outage quickly caused widespread disruptions, particularly in the capital, Santiago. The entire underground train system was halted, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in dark, cramped conditions.
The emergency response to this situation involved evacuating metro stations and rescuing people from lifts, with firefighters helping those who were trapped. A woman in her 70s, stuck in a lift, made headlines with her courageous effort to free herself, ultimately alerting others to her distress.
Metro Shutdown and Traffic Chaos Disrupt Commuters as Businesses Struggle to Operate
The immediate suspension of the metro caused severe challenges for commuters, with 150 extra buses deployed to compensate for the halted train services. However, these buses were insufficient, leading to long queues at bus stops. Many people became frustrated as the packed buses passed by without stopping.
Meanwhile, Santiago’s traffic was further complicated by the failure of several traffic lights. The resulting gridlock caused accidents, with one crash involving a truck and car at a traffic light-less intersection. Thousands of people had no choice but to walk to their destinations, battling the summer heat of around 30°C (86°F).
Massive Power Outage in Chile Halts Metro, Strands Millions, and Triggers State of EmergencyThe power cut also affected businesses across the city, with restaurants and cafes struggling to stay open. Some establishments kept their doors open for those in need of shelter, while others were forced to close due to non-functional cash registers and refrigerators.
The loss of power led to widespread closures, including shops and offices, as many workers were sent home early. In addition, the failure of the power grid impacted everyday activities, leaving locals to contend with a collapsing public transport system, which made commuting a daunting challenge.
State of Emergency Declared as Power Outage Strands Visitors and Disrupts Daily Life
Some of the most intense moments of the outage occurred in Santiago’s Fantasilandia amusement park, where at least a dozen visitors were stranded on a rollercoaster. Although the park had backup generators, safety protocols prevented immediate restoration of rides. Hospitals, too, relied on emergency generators to keep essential services running.
As night fell, the government declared a state of emergency, which included imposing a curfew from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. To enforce order, military personnel and police were deployed across the city, ensuring safety amid the chaos caused by the power failure.
While the power outage wreaked havoc on daily life, some Chileans tried to find a silver lining. The absence of light pollution allowed for a clearer view of the night sky, and many social media users shared photos of the Milky Way, turning the challenging event into an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the stars. Despite the disruption, this brief moment of tranquility amid the turmoil offered a rare chance for people to connect with nature.