Enel Distribución warns of kite flying risks near power lines

Enel Distribución has issued a safety warning regarding the tradition of flying kites (volantines) during the Fiestas Patrias celebrations in Chile. The company highlighted the risks of flying kites near electrical infrastructure, which can cause serious accidents and power outages.

Between January 2024 and July 2026, more than 1,300 cases were recorded where kites came into contact with electrical networks. This period also saw over 6,000 customer reports regarding service interruptions caused by kites becoming entangled in the grid. The most affected areas include the communes of Maipú, Pudahuel, and La Florida within the Metropolitan Region.

To ensure safety, authorities recommend using only cotton thread, avoiding nylon or treated thread, and not incorporating metal or aluminum foil into kite construction. It is advised to fly kites only in open spaces far from power lines and to never attempt to recover kites caught in cables, poles, or trees.