Major power outage hits Venezuela

A major power outage hit a large part of Venezuela on Tuesday, shutting off electricity in 13 states and the capital for a time, authorities said. The outage downed public services in Caracas and other cities for several hours, Globovision TV reported. Major blackout hits most regions in Venezuela. Major power outage hits Venezuela The outage started about 4 p.m. but by 8 p.m., power was restored in 85 percent of the 13 states affected, El Universal reported later. Two different reasons were offered for the widespread blackout. Interior and Justice Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin said it was triggered by a power outage at Guri dam in southern Bolivar state, which in turn caused a high-tension power line to overheat. However, the vice-ministry of energy issued a news release blaming the blackout on a forest fire in central Guarico state.

Major power outage hits Venezuela

The outage started about 4 p.m. but by 8 p.m., power was restored in 85 percent of the 13 states affected, El Universal reported later.

Two different reasons were offered for the widespread blackout. Interior and Justice Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin said it was triggered by a power outage at Guri dam in southern Bolivar state, which in turn caused a high-tension power line to overheat.

However, the vice-ministry of energy issued a news release blaming the blackout on a forest fire in central Guarico state.