The Czech Republic is experiencing a large-scale blackout: the metro in Prague is out of service, hundreds of people are stuck in elevators
On July 4, around noon, a large-scale power outage occurred in the Czech Republic. Power outages were recorded in Prague and a number of other cities. The subway stopped in the capital, hundreds of people were stuck in elevators. About this informs Novinky.cz.
Due to the blackout, there were serious difficulties with transport, and rescuers actively helped people who were stuck in the elevators. Most of Prague remained without electricity. This caused a complete stoppage of the subway, most tram and trolleybus routes. Numerous ATMs also failed.
Despite the situation, the Prague airport and car tunnels continue to function. Rescue workers are evacuating trains on the railway due to an emergency shutdown, although the exact locations have not been announced. Electricity supply was also disrupted in a number of other cities in the Czech Republic, including Mlada-Boleslav, Usti-nad-Labem, Hradec-Kralove.
The cause of the blackout was the fall of a phase conductor, which caused the disconnection of eight substations of the transmission system. Currently, five of them have already returned to work. In total, about 44 substations of the transmission system operate in the Czech Republic. The Czech Banking Association said mobile and internet banking were not affected as banks are using backup power sources. At the same time, some ATMs remain unavailable.
Police said there is currently no confirmation of involvement in the cyber attack or terrorist incident. The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala announced that the Central Crisis Staff is being convened in connection with the situation.
“We are faced with an extraordinary and unpleasant situation and everyone is working hard to restore power. This is the priority at this time. Thank you all for your patience.” Fiala emphasized.
