When the Lights Go Out

More than three million people were left without power after a nuclear reactor shut down in southern Florida. People were stranded in lifts, while several hospitals and Miami airport had to use back-up power.

Florida Power & Light Company said the cause of its reactor shutdown was unclear but added there was no danger. State officials said the problem at the reactor south of Miami may have been caused by line failure at a regional sub-station.

Outages were reported in south-east Florida, the south-west coast and as far up as Tampa and lasted for up to three hours.