Massive Blackout in Buenos Aires: Over 100,000 Users Affected
An explosion at the Parque Centenario substation of Edesur caused a significant fire early Friday morning, leading to a massive blackout that cut off electricity to over 103,760 users in parts of Buenos Aires. This incident has raised concerns among residents in various neighborhoods about their power supply and safety.
Timeline of the Incident
The fire erupted around 3:00 a.m., striking the transformer and causing widespread power outages. The neighborhoods hit the hardest included Caballito, Villa Crespo, Almagro, and La Paternal. Approximately 15,741 users in Almagro, 17,245 in Caballito, 4,441 in La Paternal, 49,040 in Villa Crespo, and 2,066 in Villa General Miter were left without electricity.
Emergency Response Efforts
Three volunteer firefighters were dispatched to the scene to control the fire, which spread rapidly but was ultimately managed without injuries. The National Electricity Regulatory Entity (ENRE) confirmed that no medical assistance was required for residents affected by the incident, as reported by SAME staff. This responsiveness ensured that the situation remained under control, despite the dramatic circumstances.
Area Impact and Traffic Disruptions
In addition to the power crisis, the affected area saw significant police presence to manage traffic disruptions caused by the ongoing emergency. Roads around the intersection of Ramos Mejía and Machado streets were closed to facilitate the firefighting efforts and ensure public safety.
Restoration of Services
By 5:30 a.m., some areas began to see a gradual return to normalcy in electrical service. However, the timeline for complete restoration remains uncertain. Residents continue to anxiously await updates from Edesur.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As the situation develops, Edesur has initiated efforts to restore power, with crews arriving at the substation to assess damage and expedite repairs. Authorities are closely monitoring the incident and providing updates, while residents are urged to remain patient during this challenging time.
NOTE: This article will be updated as more information becomes available.