A significant blackout struck Chile on Tuesday, plunging over eight million households, including many in the capital Santiago, into darkness due to a failure in the electricity transmission system. The incident forced an immediate suspension of the entire underground metro system, trapping passengers in eerie silence and obscured darkness.
"We were like sardines in the dark," recounted one commuter as they recalled the tense atmosphere aboard the halted train. Amid the turmoil, firefighters were deployed to rescue various individuals, including a woman in her 70s trapped in an elevator. She expressed immense relief following her rescue, acknowledging her bravery during the ordeal and how she managed to alert the concierge by kicking the elevator door.
Social media erupted with videos highlighting the situations unfolding across Santiago, with metro riders utilizing mobile phone flashlights to navigate their way out from darkened stations. Though the metro evacuation was completed within 90 minutes, the ripple effects of the power outage lingered, leading to ongoing disruptions well into the night.
With the subway system incapacitated and only 150 extra buses operating in the city, long lines formed at bus stops as commuters grew frustrated when the overly packed buses failed to accommodate the volume of passengers waiting. Many individuals opted to walk home, grappling with sweltering summer heat while dodging malfunctioning traffic lights that caused accidents across the city, including a notable crash between a truck and a car.
Shopkeepers were quick to note the consequences of the outage, as business ground to a halt and people began closing their doors shortly after the outage began at 3:00 PM local time. As night fell, the government declared a state of emergency, implementing a curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM, while soldiers and police units were mobilized to maintain public safety.
Despite the grim circumstances, some Chileans attempted to find a silver lining amid the darkness. Images shared on social media showcased a crystal-clear night sky, as the absence of streetlights allowed the Milky Way to shine brightly for those fortunate enough to be outside during the power outage.
