A significant power outage struck Nice early Sunday, impacting over 45,000 residences after a fire was reportedly set at a substation in the western part of the city, identified as a malicious act. The incident occurred around 02:00 local time, just a day after Cannes experienced a troubling blackout attributed to suspected sabotage during its prestigious film festival when approximately 160,000 homes were plunged into darkness.
Local law enforcement discovered “tire tracks” near the broken entrance of the Nice substation, hinting at potentially criminal activity. The blackout subsequently affected various vital services, including Nice Airport, the tram system, and surrounding areas such as Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Cagnes-sur-Mer, although power was restored by the late morning.
Mayor Christian Estrosi condemned the “malicious acts” against the region, while Deputy Mayor Gaël Nofri echoed concerns, suggesting the fire may indeed point towards criminal motives. The relationship between the two incidents remains unconfirmed as authorities ramp up security measures around electric facilities within Nice.
The Nice prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, confirmed that investigations are actively being conducted to unpack the causes and methods behind the attacks, amidst fears of coordinated efforts for causing disruption.
