Cannes: French authorities have launched an investigation into a potential arson attack believed to have caused a significant power outage across the Alpes-Maritimes region in southern France, including the city of Cannes, which is currently hosting its prestigious annual film festival.
“We are looking into the likelihood of a fire being started deliberately,” a spokesperson for the French national gendarmerie confirmed, noting that no arrests had been made so far.
Earlier on Saturday, local officials from Alpes-Maritimes reported that the western part of the region, encompassing Cannes, was experiencing a widespread electricity disruption. Power grid operator RTE France promptly began restoration efforts.
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Despite the outage, the Cannes Film Festival organizers confirmed that the event would continue without disruption.
“The Palais des Festivals has switched to an independent power supply, allowing all scheduled events and screenings, including the Closing Ceremony, to proceed as planned and under normal conditions,” the festival stated.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the precise cause of the incident.
