A massive power outage swept across Spain and parts of Portugal, Andorra, and France on Monday, leaving widespread disruption in its wake. The blackout, which affected millions, caused chaos as trains ground to a halt, flights were delayed or canceled, and traffic lights stopped working. People were forced to wait in long lines to pay for goods as digital payment systems failed.
The outage’s impact was felt far beyond the transportation sector. At least three members of one family were found dead in their home in the northwestern municipality of Taboada. The cause of their deaths is being investigated, with police looking into whether a malfunctioning generator may have released carbon monoxide.
Other deaths are also being probed. A woman in her 50s died in a fire at her home in Madrid’s Carabanchel district. Investigators suspect the blaze may have been sparked by a candle she lit during the blackout. In Valencia, a woman in her 40s died under mysterious circumstances. Local police believe she may have succumbed to a pre-existing lung condition when her ventilator lost power, but they are also considering the possibility that her death was due to natural causes.
The blackout also had a significant impact on public health. In Madrid, at least 13 people were treated for smoke inhalation, with five requiring hospitalization. As the country struggles to recover, officials are still trying to determine the cause of the outage. Some services have been restored, but the investigation is ongoing.
Sources indicate that initial disruptions to mobile phone and internet networks added to the confusion, leaving many without clear information about what was happening. The BBC reported on the incident, providing additional context and details about the outage’s impact.