The nation of Spain has been shaken by the news of at least three deaths connected to a massive power outage that occurred on Monday, which also impacted nearby Portugal. According to the Civil Guard, these fatalities were reported in Taboadela, a north-west municipality, involving a family of three: a married couple and their adult son. Their bodies were discovered in their beds by a care worker on Tuesday, stirring concern over the potential causes linked to the blackout.
Preliminary investigations suggest that carbon monoxide emitted from a malfunctioning electricity generator may have induced these tragic circumstances, although officials have not confirmed the details. Additionally, police are looking into other fatalities associated with the incident. Reports indicate that a woman in her fifties succumbed to a fire in Madrid that might have been ignited by a candle used during the power interruption. Thirteen individuals suffered smoke inhalation, with five needing hospitalization as a result of the fire in the Carabanchel district.
Moreover, reports indicate another death in Valencia, where a woman with a pre-existing lung condition allegedly perished when her ventilator lost power during the blackout. However, there remains ambiguity in the reports, with some sources attributing her death to natural causes.
The blackout triggered extensive disruptions not only in Spain but also across Portugal, Andorra, and parts of France. With traffic lights failing and metro systems ceasing operations, the chaos left many stranded and stranded businesses unable to process card transactions. This resulted in long lines forming at the few operational ATMs. In an initial reaction to the blackout, mobile phone services experienced disruptions as well, heightening the urgency for updates and information amidst the crisis.
The government has ruled out a cyberattack as the cause of the blackout, yet investigations continue to determine the factors that led to this nationwide tragedy.
Preliminary investigations suggest that carbon monoxide emitted from a malfunctioning electricity generator may have induced these tragic circumstances, although officials have not confirmed the details. Additionally, police are looking into other fatalities associated with the incident. Reports indicate that a woman in her fifties succumbed to a fire in Madrid that might have been ignited by a candle used during the power interruption. Thirteen individuals suffered smoke inhalation, with five needing hospitalization as a result of the fire in the Carabanchel district.
Moreover, reports indicate another death in Valencia, where a woman with a pre-existing lung condition allegedly perished when her ventilator lost power during the blackout. However, there remains ambiguity in the reports, with some sources attributing her death to natural causes.
The blackout triggered extensive disruptions not only in Spain but also across Portugal, Andorra, and parts of France. With traffic lights failing and metro systems ceasing operations, the chaos left many stranded and stranded businesses unable to process card transactions. This resulted in long lines forming at the few operational ATMs. In an initial reaction to the blackout, mobile phone services experienced disruptions as well, heightening the urgency for updates and information amidst the crisis.
The government has ruled out a cyberattack as the cause of the blackout, yet investigations continue to determine the factors that led to this nationwide tragedy.
