Chile hit by nationwide blackout, forcing Santiago metro evacuations

Chile's biggest blackout in 15 years hits from Arica to Los Lagos, testing one of South America's top power grids

A sweeping blackout has hit Chile, stranding commuters, knocking out traffic lights, paralyzing countless businesses and leaving most of the South American country without electricity.

The National Electrical Coordinator, Chile's grid operator, said a disruption had occurred in a high-voltage transmission line that carries power from the Atacama Desert of northern Chile to the capital of Santiago in the country's central valley.