Authorities in Nice, France, are on high alert following a second power outage caused by a suspicious fire at a substation, which occurred shortly after a significant blackout affected the nearby city of Cannes. The latest incident, which resulted in the loss of power for approximately 45,000 homes early Sunday morning, is suspected to be linked to malicious acts.
Local police reported finding “tire tracks” and a broken door at the substation, indicating potential sabotage. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi condemned these “malicious acts” via social media platform X, while Deputy Mayor Gaël Nofri suggested that the cause of the substation fire is “probably of criminal origin.” The blackout came just one day after Cannes experienced a substantial power cut, which officials have linked to an alleged arson attack on another substation, impacting around 160,000 homes during the city’s internationally renowned film festival.
Screenings at the festival were interrupted as officials scrambled to switch to private generators to restore power. While there is currently no direct connection established between the two incidents, officials are proactive in bolstering security at electric facilities in response to this alarming trend.
Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli highlighted the ongoing investigations focusing on understanding both the extent of the damages and the methods utilized for the acts. As concerns for public safety continue to rise, the local government is treating these developments seriously, emphasizing the need for enhanced vigilance and protection against organized sabotage.
Local police reported finding “tire tracks” and a broken door at the substation, indicating potential sabotage. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi condemned these “malicious acts” via social media platform X, while Deputy Mayor Gaël Nofri suggested that the cause of the substation fire is “probably of criminal origin.” The blackout came just one day after Cannes experienced a substantial power cut, which officials have linked to an alleged arson attack on another substation, impacting around 160,000 homes during the city’s internationally renowned film festival.
Screenings at the festival were interrupted as officials scrambled to switch to private generators to restore power. While there is currently no direct connection established between the two incidents, officials are proactive in bolstering security at electric facilities in response to this alarming trend.
Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli highlighted the ongoing investigations focusing on understanding both the extent of the damages and the methods utilized for the acts. As concerns for public safety continue to rise, the local government is treating these developments seriously, emphasizing the need for enhanced vigilance and protection against organized sabotage.
