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.
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.