As the power outage unfolded, social media was inundated with videos of passengers using mobile phone flashlights to navigate darkened metro stations. The evacuation of the underground took about 90 minutes, but disruptions lingered. With public transport suspended, long lines formed at bus stops, and passengers expressed their frustration as crowded buses struggled to meet the demand.

Workers left their offices early as electricity outages sidelined businesses, leading to increased traffic congestion due to non-functioning traffic signals. That day, a shopkeeper noted that people started locking up their stores by late afternoon as the power remained off. Many opted to walk home, braving the heat as they traveled on foot.

At the Fantasilandia amusement park in Santiago, distressing scenes occurred as several individuals became stranded atop a rollercoaster. Although the park had backup generators, rides remained idle for safety concerns. Hospitals had to switch to emergency power to continue operations.

The situation worsened as the government declared a state of emergency, enforcing a nightly curfew from 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. Soldiers and police were deployed around the capital to help maintain peace. Some Chileans found a silver lining, sharing pictures of the clearer night sky on social media, highlighting that the absence of artificial light allowed for stunning views of the Milky Way.