Massive Power Outage Hits Chile: Millions Stranded Amid Chaos

On a Tuesday afternoon, Chile experienced a widespread power outage affecting more than eight million households due to a transmission line failure. In Santiago, the underground train system was immediately suspended, leading to chaotic evacuations and stranding passengers in dark metro stations. Describing their ordeal, one passenger remarked, "We were like sardines in the dark." Many individuals were rescued from elevator entrapments, while others relied on cellphone flashlights to navigate the pitch-black conditions.

The power cut occurred at 3:00 PM, causing extensive disruptions not only in public transportation but also in local businesses, with many being forced to shut down due to failures of cash and card machines. Long queues formed at bus stops, and frustrated commuters struggled to find alternative means to get home, resulting in increased pedestrian traffic as people attempted to walk to their destinations in sweltering summer heat.

Communities rallied, with some truck drivers offering rides, while restaurants and cafes opened their doors to provide temporary shelter for those on foot. Fantasilandia, an amusement park in Santiago, faced its own drama as dozens of visitors became stranded on a rollercoaster, though park management opted to prioritize safety before resuming operations. As the evening wore on, a state of emergency was declared, and military and police were deployed to maintain order. Amidst turmoil, some individuals managed to find solace in the darkened skies, sharing peaceful views of the Milky Way on social media while others anxiously awaited the restoration of electricity.