Authorities investigating suspected arson incident linked to widespread power outage affecting Cannes and parts of southern France
Power Outage in Alpes-Maritimes Region Suspected to Be Arson
The Alpes-Maritimes region in southern France, which includes Cannes, experienced a power outage on Saturday. According to French police, arson is suspected as the primary cause, with a suspected fire at an electrical substation possibly weakening the electrical grid. This incident came before a high-voltage line fell, resulting in around 160,000 households losing electricity.
A spokesperson for the French national gendarmerie stated that an investigation is underway to determine if the fire was deliberately set. No arrests have been made at this stage. The local authority had earlier announced that the western part of the region was experiencing a major electricity outage, with RTE France working to restore power.
Officials have strongly condemned these acts of damage to the electrical infrastructure, and authorities are working diligently to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Power was restored several hours later, enabling the Cannes Film Festival's closing events to proceed as planned. The Palais des Festivals switched to an independent power supply, ensuring all scheduled events, including the Closing Ceremony, transpired under regular conditions.
Sources:[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/arson-suspected-cause-power-outage-cannes-cannes-film-festival-2021-07-03/[2] https://www.cannes.fr/en/actualites/l13653/statement-power-cut-cannes-cannes-film-festival-2021
- The power outage in the business-rich Alpes-Maritimes region, home to Cannes, has raised concerns about potential impacts on the local economy, as it affects thousands of businesses and households.
- The suspected arson incident, a case of crime-and-justice, could have broader implications for the region's economy and general-news landscape, as it disrupts key infrastructure and raises questions about political governance and public safety.
- The stock market, monitoring global events, may potentially respond to this incident, considering its potential impact on the French economy and the region's tourism industry, given the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.
