Responses from stranded individuals painted a grim picture; "We were like sardines in the dark," recounted one commuter trapped underground. Many others found themselves needing urgent assistance, with firefighters working diligently to rescue those trapped in elevators and darkened stations. A particularly poignant story emerged of a woman in her seventies, who, stuck in a lift, courageously kicked the door to summon attention until she was finally rescued. Amid the unexpected chaos, individuals used their mobile phone flashlights to guide themselves through the darkened metro stations.
Metro de Santiago took about 90 minutes to evacuate passengers, but the aftermath lingered long after, causing disruption throughout the city. The added strain of traffic accidents due to non-functioning traffic lights exacerbated the situation, causing long lines at bus stops and forcing many, including weary workers, to walk home in unseasonably warm temperatures.
Entrepreneurs and business owners reported severe impacts as well, with some stores shuttering due to the inability to process payments or maintain perishables, while others remained open as temporary havens for stranded pedestrians. Even Fantasilandia amusement park faced complications, with guests stranded atop rides until safety measures could be addressed.
As night fell, the government declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM to manage the crisis. Armed forces were dispatched to ensure order. However, in an ironic twist, some residents shared glimpses of the starry night sky on social media, finding beauty in the dark, as the lack of light pollution made the Milky Way visible to many for the first time.
As Chile faces an ongoing investigation into the cause of the power failure, the resilience of its people in adversity continues to shine through.
Metro de Santiago took about 90 minutes to evacuate passengers, but the aftermath lingered long after, causing disruption throughout the city. The added strain of traffic accidents due to non-functioning traffic lights exacerbated the situation, causing long lines at bus stops and forcing many, including weary workers, to walk home in unseasonably warm temperatures.
Entrepreneurs and business owners reported severe impacts as well, with some stores shuttering due to the inability to process payments or maintain perishables, while others remained open as temporary havens for stranded pedestrians. Even Fantasilandia amusement park faced complications, with guests stranded atop rides until safety measures could be addressed.
As night fell, the government declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM to manage the crisis. Armed forces were dispatched to ensure order. However, in an ironic twist, some residents shared glimpses of the starry night sky on social media, finding beauty in the dark, as the lack of light pollution made the Milky Way visible to many for the first time.
As Chile faces an ongoing investigation into the cause of the power failure, the resilience of its people in adversity continues to shine through.
