Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Amidst the extensive blackout that struck Spain and Portugal, a family of three is among the fatalities. Law enforcement officials reported that a husband, wife, and their son were discovered deceased in their three-story residence in Taboadela, a small town of fewer than 1,500 inhabitants in the Galicia region of northeastern Spain.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Suspected in Fatal Incident
The victims were located by a caregiver beside a home generator utilized by one of the individuals to operate an oxygen machine. The elderly father, 81, his 77-year-old spouse, and their 56-year-old disabled son are suspected to have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after the generator failed.
Additional Fatalities and Injuries During Power Outage
Fire in Madrid
During the blackout, a woman in her 50s passed away in Madrid following a blaze that authorities believe was ignited by a candle in the Carabanchel neighborhood.
Medical Device Failure in Valencia
A woman in her 40s allegedly perished in Valencia. Local accounts indicate that the woman, who had a lung ailment, died when her ventilator lost power.
Emergency Services Respond to Multiple Incidents
Emergency services have validated that thirteen individuals were treated for smoke inhalation, with five of them transported to the hospital for further care.
Impact on Spanish and Portuguese Citizens
The power interruption impacted roughly 60 million people in Spain and Portugal.
- Millions were deprived of phone and internet access.
- Thousands of rail passengers were left stranded.
- Citizens faced difficulties withdrawing cash from ATMs throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
- Aircraft were grounded, leaving passengers confined to airports overnight.
This incident marked the most significant power outage in Europe since 56 million people lost electricity in Italy and Switzerland in 2003.
Government and European Commission Response
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez vowed to hold power grid operators accountable following the blackout. “The events of yesterday must never recur,” stated Sánchez.
Dan Jørgensen, the European Energy Commissioner, remarked, “The energy situation in Spain and Portugal has returned to normal. This event represents the most severe incident in nearly two decades across Europe.
“We are prepared to assist Spain and Portugal in every possible manner, including initiating a comprehensive investigation.”