Quito: Ecuador experienced a national blackout on Wednesday after a power failure, according to Energy Minister Roberto Luca.
“There was a power outage, which tripped the circuit breaker, so there was no power in the entire country,” said Luque X.
Power is slowly returning, at least in the capital Quito, AFP reported.
Quito subway riders were shocked by the suspension of trains and the evacuation of thousands of people.
Traffic lights stopped working and police monitored traffic jams to maintain order in the city of three million.
Mayor of Quito, Pablo Munoz X.
Traffic in the Pacific port city of Guayaquil was disrupted and people were stuck in elevators in offices and residences, an AFP reporter said.
Buses in southern Cuenca stopped running.
Luque said he will hold a press conference later on Wednesday.
Ecuador faces planned blackouts in April as drought reduces water levels at old hydroelectric facilities.
This spot service ends in May when the rainy season comes.
