Widespread Power Outage Causes Chaos Across Europe

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A significant power outage swept through major parts of Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, disrupting traffic and services in multiple sectors. According to Spain’s grid operator, electricity supply was lost across the entire Iberian Peninsula, with reports of outages extending into parts of France. The blackout severely affected road, rail, and air traffic, halting subway systems and disabling traffic lights in cities like Madrid and Lisbon.

In Madrid, Barajas Airport experienced power failures, and train services were halted entirely, leading to crowded metro stations and chaotic street conditions. “I saw a massive bus coming, and I had to accelerate a lot to go past it,” said one driver caught in the mayhem, describing the scene as “a bit of a jungle.” Portugal’s grid operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais confirmed that the outage also hit Lisbon and surrounding areas.

Emergency services in Madrid advised residents to minimize movement and avoid roads to facilitate rescue efforts. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the outage, which is expected to last for several hours, compounding frustrations for travelers and commuters alike.

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