Tue Apr 29 07:57:12 UTC 2025: ## Widespread Blackout Plunges Spain and Portugal into Darkness

**Madrid, Spain –** A massive power outage plunged Spain and Portugal into darkness on April 28, 2025, leaving millions without electricity, disrupting transportation, and causing widespread chaos. The blackout, the cause of which remains under investigation, is described as one of the most severe in Europe’s recent history.

The outage, affecting approximately 60 million people across the Iberian Peninsula, began suddenly, causing a near-total loss of power in both countries. Airports and train stations became makeshift shelters for stranded travelers, with thousands seeking refuge in sports centers and other public spaces. Metro systems ground to a halt, leaving commuters stranded underground, while ATMs and online banking services went offline. The lack of power also impacted essential services, forcing some hospitals to rely on generators.

By Tuesday morning, power had been largely restored to Spain, with over 99% of energy demand met. Portugal also reported a significant recovery, with the majority of substations back online. Madrid’s metro system announced the resumption of service on most lines.

The sudden and widespread nature of the blackout sparked speculation of a cyberattack or sabotage. However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, along with officials from Portugal and the European Commission, ruled out foul play, stating there was no evidence to support these theories. Investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause of the unprecedented failure. The incident is being compared to a March 20 incident at Heathrow Airport, which caused a significant disruption to British air travel.

The blackout caused considerable inconvenience and hardship, with many residents forced to sleep in public spaces and long lines forming at the few supermarkets equipped with backup generators. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of modern infrastructure to large-scale power failures and underscored the potential impact on essential services and daily life.

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