Wed Feb 26 03:37:18 UTC 2025: ## Nationwide Blackout Plunges Chile into Chaos
**Santiago, Chile –** A massive power outage plunged most of Chile into darkness on February 25, 2025, causing widespread disruption and prompting a state of emergency. Millions were left without electricity, internet, and mobile phone service for hours, impacting transportation, businesses, and daily life.
The outage, affecting 14 of Chile’s 16 regions, including the capital Santiago, was attributed to a disruption in a high-voltage transmission line carrying power from the Atacama Desert to Santiago. The exact cause remains under investigation.
The government declared a state of emergency and a nighttime curfew, deploying security forces to manage the ensuing chaos. Hospitals and government buildings relied on backup generators, while subway passengers were evacuated from darkened tunnels. Copper mining operations, a key part of Chile’s economy, were suspended. Water shortages were reported due to the failure of electrically powered pumps.
Videos circulating on social media showed widespread confusion at intersections without functioning traffic lights and people navigating darkened streets and subway stations. Transportation was severely hampered, with only a small percentage of traffic lights operational. Santiago International Airport switched to emergency power, but some flight disruptions were anticipated.
Interior Minister Carolina Tohá described the situation as a “catastrophe,” emphasizing the government’s focus on ensuring public safety. As of 10 p.m., at least 7 million people remained without power. The full extent of the economic impact remains to be assessed. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blackout and prevent future occurrences.
First Piper 