Authorities investigate vandalism after crucial power infrastructure in the region experienced significant damage.
**Cannes Film Festival Faces Disruption from Suspected Sabotage Power Outage**
**Cannes Film Festival Faces Disruption from Suspected Sabotage Power Outage**
A power cut attributed to sabotage has cast a shadow over the final day of the revered Cannes Film Festival.
In a shocking turn of events, the prestigious Cannes Film Festival experienced significant interruptions on its final day due to a power cut linked to suspected sabotage. Early Saturday morning, approximately 160,000 residents in Cannes and surrounding areas were left without electricity, following the arson attack on a vital electricity substation. By the afternoon, power was restored after alternative measures were implemented.
Initial reports indicate that the disturbance started when arsonists targeted a substation in Tanneron, which supplies electricity to the bustling city of Cannes. The situation escalated around 10:00 AM (08:00 GMT), when damage to an electricity pylon near Villeneuve-Loubet led to a second outage, compounding the crisis.
Local businesses were hit hard by the unexpected blackout. Restaurant owner Laurent Aboukrat expressed frustration to AFP, saying, "Another hour and I'll throw everything away," as the power outage rendered his kitchen unusable. Ice cream shops were also forced to shut down amid the chaos, with the town experiencing a drastic slowdown, as noted by Australian producer Darren Vukasinovic, who remarked on the scarcity of food and drinks.
Despite the early-day setbacks, festival organizers managed to maintain the closing ceremony schedule, with alternatives powered by private generators. The festival’s final moments will witness the announcement of the prestigious Palme d'Or winner, led by respected French actress Juliette Binoche and her jury.
Initial reports indicate that the disturbance started when arsonists targeted a substation in Tanneron, which supplies electricity to the bustling city of Cannes. The situation escalated around 10:00 AM (08:00 GMT), when damage to an electricity pylon near Villeneuve-Loubet led to a second outage, compounding the crisis.
Local businesses were hit hard by the unexpected blackout. Restaurant owner Laurent Aboukrat expressed frustration to AFP, saying, "Another hour and I'll throw everything away," as the power outage rendered his kitchen unusable. Ice cream shops were also forced to shut down amid the chaos, with the town experiencing a drastic slowdown, as noted by Australian producer Darren Vukasinovic, who remarked on the scarcity of food and drinks.
Despite the early-day setbacks, festival organizers managed to maintain the closing ceremony schedule, with alternatives powered by private generators. The festival’s final moments will witness the announcement of the prestigious Palme d'Or winner, led by respected French actress Juliette Binoche and her jury.
