French officials are probing an alleged arson assault as the probable cause of a large-scale power outage that hit the Alpes-Maritimes department in the south of France on Saturday, including the city of Cannes, which is hosting its high-profile annual film festival.
A French national gendarmerie representative confirmed that the authorities are investigating if the fire was started intentionally. “We are checking on the possibility of a deliberately initiated fire,” the representative added, explaining that no one has been arrested yet.
Earlier today, the local authorities reported a mass power cut to the western side of the Alpes-Maritimes, and RTE France, the country’s national electricity transmission grid operator, was attempting to restore electricity.
Even with the interruption, the Cannes Film Festival assured that its closing ceremony would go ahead as planned. According to a statement by festival organizers, the Palais des Festivals had changed to an autonomous power supply, which meant that all the last showings and activities would be conducted as usual.
The attack arrives at a precarious moment for Cannes, which gains international recognition and business leaders every year. Officials are still investigating the alleged arson and working to ensure the event is completed without interruption.
