**Authorities investigate malicious acts as residents face disruptions in Nice and nearby Cannes.**
**Nice Hit by Second Suspected Sabotage as Power Outage Affects Thousands**
**Nice Hit by Second Suspected Sabotage as Power Outage Affects Thousands**
**Second blackout in consecutive days raises concerns about safety and security in France.**
The picturesque city of Nice has been rocked by a second power outage within just two days, following a suspected sabotage incident at a local substation. Overnight, a fire at the facility left over 45,000 homes without electricity, occurring shortly after a massive blackout in nearby Cannes attributed to a similar malicious act. The blaze broke out at approximately 02:00 local time on Sunday, leading to widespread disruptions that affected essential services such as Nice Airport and the tramway network.
Local police have reported evidence suggesting foul play, with tyre tracks discovered at the scene and a broken door leading investigators to suspect a criminal origin for the fire. Nice's mayor, Christian Estrosi, condemned the sabotage, describing it as a serious threat to public safety. "These malicious acts compromise not just our infrastructure but also the harmony of our city," he expressed on social media platform X.
In a related incident, Cannes had faced significant power issues the previous day, impacting around 160,000 homes during its renowned international film festival. Power went out in numerous venues, forcing festival organizers to rely on private generators to resume screenings. While officials have yet to establish a definitive connection between the two blackouts, both incidents have raised alarms about security measures at France's electrical facilities.
In response to these events, authorities in Nice are ramping up security protocols around critical power infrastructure. The local prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, announced that an inquiry into "organized arson" has been initiated, focusing on both the extent of the damage and the methodology behind these troubling occurrences. The community awaits further developments as investigators work diligently to identify those responsible for these sabotaging acts.
Local police have reported evidence suggesting foul play, with tyre tracks discovered at the scene and a broken door leading investigators to suspect a criminal origin for the fire. Nice's mayor, Christian Estrosi, condemned the sabotage, describing it as a serious threat to public safety. "These malicious acts compromise not just our infrastructure but also the harmony of our city," he expressed on social media platform X.
In a related incident, Cannes had faced significant power issues the previous day, impacting around 160,000 homes during its renowned international film festival. Power went out in numerous venues, forcing festival organizers to rely on private generators to resume screenings. While officials have yet to establish a definitive connection between the two blackouts, both incidents have raised alarms about security measures at France's electrical facilities.
In response to these events, authorities in Nice are ramping up security protocols around critical power infrastructure. The local prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, announced that an inquiry into "organized arson" has been initiated, focusing on both the extent of the damage and the methodology behind these troubling occurrences. The community awaits further developments as investigators work diligently to identify those responsible for these sabotaging acts.
