Nationwide Power Outage in Chile Leaves Millions Stranded

Mon Oct 20 2025 10:24:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A major electricity failure in Chile causes significant disruption, trapping passengers and halting services in Santiago.

A power cut affecting over eight million households in Chile led to the suspension of vital services in Santiago, with thousands of people left stranded and others requiring rescue. The incident drew both frustration and creativity as some found solace in the clear night sky.

In a shocking turn of events, more than eight million households across Chile experienced a power outage on Tuesday afternoon due to a failure in an electricity transmission line. This massive blackout resulted in significant disruptions in various regions, particularly in the capital, Santiago, where the entire underground train system came to a halt almost immediately.

Passengers on the metro, especially those caught in stalled trains, faced a harrowing experience, likening their situation to being "trapped like sardines in the dark." In a particularly concerning instance, a woman in her 70s found herself stuck in a lift between floors, where her perseverance and bravery enabled her to attract the attention of a concierge, leading to her rescue.

In response to the emergency, firefighters worked diligently to free those trapped in elevators across stations. Passengers utilized their mobile phone flashlights to navigate the darkened tunnels, while evacuees noted long wait times as they flooded out of the metro system, which saw 150 additional buses deployed as a makeshift replacement for the train service.

Concerns escalated as long queues formed at bus stops, compounded by a significant portion of the workforce being sent home early due to widespread business closures. Many took to walking in the sweltering heat, increasing pedestrian traffic as public transportation grinded to a halt. Accidents were reported on the streets as malfunctioning traffic lights added to the chaos.

While some restaurants remained operational, many businesses were forced to close as cash registers shut down and perishable inventory went unmonitored. Amusement parks like Fantasilandia also faced their own challenges, with patrons stuck on rides waiting for backup generators to kick in. Hospitals managed the situation using emergency power but expressed concerns about their own capabilities during the extended outage.

As evening fell, the government declared a state of emergency, mandating a curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM to maintain order in the streets. Local authorities deployed military and police to help manage the aftermath. Amidst the challenges and frustration, some Chileans managed to find humor and beauty in the power cut, sharing photos of a clearer-than-usual night sky free from light pollution. The incident has served as a moment of reflection and resilience for many across the nation.