**Widespread Power Outage Hits Chile, Millions Affected**

*As the nation grapples with a massive power outage affecting millions, authorities work to restore electricity and ensure public safety.*

Chile is currently experiencing a significant power outage impacting millions of residents across the country, according to reports from the national disaster response service, SENAPRED. The outage began earlier today, with consequences felt extensively in urban areas, notably the capital, Santiago. Residents from regions including Arica and Parinacota in the north to Los Lagos in the south have reported disruptions.

The outage has also severely affected vital infrastructure. Sources indicate that the world’s largest copper mine, Escondida, is without power, causing alarm in the mining sector. LATAM Airlines has announced potential flight disruptions as a result of the blackout and has advised passengers to remain updated on their travel schedules.

In Santiago, the city's metro service has been temporarily halted, forcing passengers to evacuate by walking up escalators that have stopped working. Meanwhile, traffic signals across the city are down, resulting in heavy congestion and long waits for buses still operating in the area. Local resident Maria Angelica Roman expressed her frustration: “They let us leave work because of the power cut, but now I don't know how we will get home because all the buses are full.”

In response to the crisis, Chile's Interior Minister, Carolina Toha, announced that an emergency meeting would take place to address the situation and evaluate recovery measures. SENAPRED confirmed that electricity companies across the affected regions are actively investigating the cause of the outage and are working to restore services, with no significant emergencies reported so far.