A massive power outage plunged most of Chile, including Santiago, into darkness on Tuesday, prompting President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency.

The blackout affected 14 of 16 regions, cutting electricity to 8 million homes, disrupting transport, and knocking out internet and phone services.

Authorities blamed a high-voltage transmission failure but have not identified the cause.

By Wednesday, 90% of affected areas had power restored, though 220,000 customers remained without electricity, CNN has reported.

Boric criticized electricity companies and vowed investigations, while officials worked to restore services and maintain security.

Written by B.C. Begley