Massive Power Outage Causes Chaos in Spain and Portugal

MADRID, Spain — A widespread power outage plunged Spain and Portugal into chaos around midday on April 28, 2025, affecting millions and bringing public transport and communication systems to a standstill.

The blackout, impacting the entirety of Spain and parts of Portugal and France, interrupted electricity and internet services for hours. As the lights went out, the atmosphere quickly turned chaotic, with reports of people being trapped in unlit subway trains and elevators.

Coco Gauff, an American tennis player, experienced the outage firsthand during a post-match interview at the Madrid Open. As she joked about her breakfast, the microphone suddenly cut out, leaving her surprised. Moments later, LED boards dimmed and Madrid was left in darkness.

As residents grappled with the outage, neighbors mingled in streets, and local diners adapted to the situation by lighting candles. Complaints of being unable to contact family members and concerns about being stranded without means of transport filled the air.

“People were stunned because this had never happened before,” shared Carlos Condori, a construction worker who was on the metro during the incident. “I can’t even go to work,” he added, expressing frustration at the lack of communication.

Authorities quickly prompted crisis meetings to address the severe disruption. The Spanish Parliament was temporarily closed, while major stores like Zara shut their doors during the outage, even as some allowed customers to browse in the dark.

Public transport systems came to a halt as power went out, leading to stranded passengers. One train on the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed railway remained stalled for hours, and attendants had to advise passengers on how to use makeshift facilities while the power remained out.

Apple’s spokesperson reported significant disruptions across major cities, with hospitals relying on backup generators and essential supplies running low in many areas.

As the day continued, officials assessed the cause of the blackout amid rising panic and misinformation. Initial reports alluded to potential external factors, with speculation that it could have originated in Spain.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed citizens, assuring them that resources were being mobilized to restore power as quickly as possible. He confirmed that the government is investigating the cause, cautioning against misinformation and urging everyone to remain calm.

By evening, power began to return in various regions, but officials warned it could take time before normalcy returned to the area.