Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, indicated on Monday that the recent power blackout likely originated in Spain, though both he and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez admitted they were unsure of the exact cause. Sanchez cautioned against speculation regarding the incident.
Social media footage verified by NBC News captured the moment when power was gradually restored, with residents in both Spain and Portugal celebrating in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Cheers and applause erupted as streets lit up again. Interestingly, some locals in Barcelona and Madrid embraced the blackout as an opportunity for enjoyment, taking to the streets for picnics, dancing, and a break from their digital lives—dubbed “digital detox” on TikTok.
Meanwhile, the blackout led to significant disruptions. Many people were trapped in elevators, prompting nearly 200 emergency rescues in Madrid. Passengers were also shown walking through dark subway tunnels, illuminated only by emergency lights. The disruption affected traffic signals, resulting in congested streets where the Spanish Civil Guard had to assist in directing traffic and evacuating passengers from stalled trains.
The chaos left many, including American tourists Drew Toronto and Shelly Charnoff, stranded. After a visit to Toledo, they struggled to navigate back to Madrid without access to information or reliable communication. Eventually, they managed to find a taxi to return to the city. Overall, while the blackout caused considerable confusion and inconvenience, it also prompted a sense of community and celebration among some residents as they adapted to the unexpected situation.
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