Cannes Film Festival Hit by Power Outage: Sabotage Suspected

Cannes Film Festival Blackout: Sabotage Suspected as 160,000 Lose Power A major power outage plunged the Cannes Film Festival into darkness on Saturday, leaving approximately 160,000 households without electricity. French authorities are investigating the incident, suspecting sabotage after a high-voltage line fell, causing widespread disruption. The blackout impacted traffic lights, train services, and numerous retail outlets in the French Riviera city. "Disruption was also caused to traffic light systems, train services, and retail outlets," a local news source reported. The outage came hours after an overnight fire at an electrical substation near Cannes, further fueling suspicions of foul play. Police have opened an investigation into possible arson. Despite the challenges, Cannes Film Festival organizers successfully switched to an independent power supply, ensuring that all scheduled events, including the glittering closing ceremony, proceeded without major interruption. "All scheduled events and screenings, including the closing ceremony, will proceed as planned and under normal conditions," stated a festival spokesperson. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious during their travels as restoration efforts continue. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the importance of robust emergency preparedness.