Home / Disasters and Accidents / Paris Plunged into Darkness: Massive Blackout Hits Capital
Paris Plunged into Darkness: Massive Blackout Hits Capital
20 Nov
Summary
- A major power outage affected over 170,000 homes in Paris.
- The blackout caused significant disruptions to metro and train lines.
- A technical issue at an electrical substation was identified as the cause.
Paris experienced a widespread power outage on Thursday morning, affecting more than 170,000 homes. The blackout commenced at approximately 6:38 am local time, leading to significant disruptions. Electricity grid operator Enedis reported that metro and suburban train lines were halted due to the outage.
Authorities later identified a technical issue at an electrical substation in Issy-les-Moulineaux, southwest of the city, as the cause. While initially impacting a large number of residents, the grid operator noted that many homes were reconnected rapidly, with full restoration in the Paris region achieved by 9 am local time.
This incident recalls similar widespread power outages that affected Spain and Portugal last April, which caused extensive disruptions including grounded flights and immobilized transport systems across vast areas of both countries.
