The French Riviera is reeling from two suspected sabotage incidents targeting electrical infrastructure, prompting urgent investigations.
**Suspicious Power Outages Shake French Riviera, Authorities Investigate Possible Sabotage**
**Suspicious Power Outages Shake French Riviera, Authorities Investigate Possible Sabotage**
Power cuts stymie thousands in Nice and Cannes, raising alarms over safety and sabotage.
A second power outage in less than 48 hours hit the scenic French Riviera, particularly impacting the city of Nice, where a fire at an electrical substation was deemed a malicious act by authorities. Over 45,000 residences endured a blackout following the blaze that erupted around 2 AM, just a day after Cannes experienced a significant electrical failure attributed to suspected sabotage.
Local police have discovered “tyre tracks” near the substation’s entrance, with the door showing signs of forced entry, raising further concerns about security in the area. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi took to social media platform X, condemning these “malicious acts” and calling for heightened vigilance in protecting the region’s electrical infrastructure. “We cannot allow such acts that jeopardize public safety,” he stated.
On the day before this incident in Nice, Cannes—home to the prestigious film festival—suffered a massive blackout affecting approximately 160,000 homes. Initial reports suggested that it may have been the result of arson targeting a nearby substation. The power outage disrupted several film screenings, forcing organizers to rely on private generators for the festival.
Despite both incidents occurring in quick succession, authorities have yet to establish a connection. Nevertheless, measures are being taken to bolster security around electrical facilities. Nice’s prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, confirmed that a formal investigation into potential organized arson is in progress as officials seek clarity on the extent of the damage and the methods employed in these disruptive attacks.
As the investigation unfolds, residents remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation, amid calls for greater protection of vital utilities.
Local police have discovered “tyre tracks” near the substation’s entrance, with the door showing signs of forced entry, raising further concerns about security in the area. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi took to social media platform X, condemning these “malicious acts” and calling for heightened vigilance in protecting the region’s electrical infrastructure. “We cannot allow such acts that jeopardize public safety,” he stated.
On the day before this incident in Nice, Cannes—home to the prestigious film festival—suffered a massive blackout affecting approximately 160,000 homes. Initial reports suggested that it may have been the result of arson targeting a nearby substation. The power outage disrupted several film screenings, forcing organizers to rely on private generators for the festival.
Despite both incidents occurring in quick succession, authorities have yet to establish a connection. Nevertheless, measures are being taken to bolster security around electrical facilities. Nice’s prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, confirmed that a formal investigation into potential organized arson is in progress as officials seek clarity on the extent of the damage and the methods employed in these disruptive attacks.
As the investigation unfolds, residents remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation, amid calls for greater protection of vital utilities.
