**Two power outages in as many days in the French Riviera prompt investigations into potential sabotage. The first blackout struck Cannes during the film festival; the second affected Nice, with officials pledging security improvements.**
**Power Outages in France Raise Sabotage Suspicions Amid Cannes Film Festival**
**Power Outages in France Raise Sabotage Suspicions Amid Cannes Film Festival**
**Authorities investigate two suspected sabotage incidents causing significant power cuts in Nice and Cannes.**
In a concerning trend for the French Riviera, a second power outage in just 48 hours has struck the city of Nice, following a suspicious fire at a local substation. The blaze, which led to a blackout affecting approximately 45,000 homes, reignited fears of potential sabotage amid a current investigation.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, just a day after a massive power cut in nearby Cannes that left around 160,000 homes without electricity, an event that officials also suspect was a result of arson. The Cannes blackout disrupted events at the internationally renowned film festival, forcing organizers to rely on private generators for some screenings.
Reports from Nice indicated that police discovered "tire tracks" and noted that the substation’s door had been broken into. Local officials have expressed outrage over these malicious acts, with Nice's mayor, Christian Estrosi, publicly condemning the incidents on social media. Deputy mayor Gaël Nofri described the fire at the substation as "probably of criminal origin," underscoring the serious nature of the acts.
Although no direct link between the two blackout incidents has been confirmed, Estrosi assured the public that authorities are taking steps to enhance security around electrical installations within the city. An investigation into "organised arson" has been initiated, as Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli confirmed that efforts are underway to determine both the extent of the damage and the methods used to carry out these acts.
As the Riviera grapples with these alarming events, the ramifications of such sabotage, particularly during a significant international event like the Cannes Film Festival, will undoubtedly prompt a broader discussion on security measures for public utilities in France.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, just a day after a massive power cut in nearby Cannes that left around 160,000 homes without electricity, an event that officials also suspect was a result of arson. The Cannes blackout disrupted events at the internationally renowned film festival, forcing organizers to rely on private generators for some screenings.
Reports from Nice indicated that police discovered "tire tracks" and noted that the substation’s door had been broken into. Local officials have expressed outrage over these malicious acts, with Nice's mayor, Christian Estrosi, publicly condemning the incidents on social media. Deputy mayor Gaël Nofri described the fire at the substation as "probably of criminal origin," underscoring the serious nature of the acts.
Although no direct link between the two blackout incidents has been confirmed, Estrosi assured the public that authorities are taking steps to enhance security around electrical installations within the city. An investigation into "organised arson" has been initiated, as Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli confirmed that efforts are underway to determine both the extent of the damage and the methods used to carry out these acts.
As the Riviera grapples with these alarming events, the ramifications of such sabotage, particularly during a significant international event like the Cannes Film Festival, will undoubtedly prompt a broader discussion on security measures for public utilities in France.
