In recent days, a concerning trend of suspected sabotage has emerged in southern France, specifically impacting the beautiful region of the French Riviera. The city of Nice has fallen victim to a significant power cut, attributed to a fire at a local substation. This incident is the second disruption in just two days, raising alarms among officials and residents alike. The blaze erupted early in the morning at approximately 02:00 local time (01:00 BST), leading to widespread repercussions, including power outages for at least 45,000 homes.
The fire at the substation is being treated seriously by authorities, particularly due to indications that it may have been the result of malicious actions. In the preceding days, another blackout had occurred in Cannes, linked to suspected sabotage as well. Following the incidents, Nice’s local police reported finding “tire tracks” near the damaged substation, and that the door to the facility had been forcibly broken open. These findings, coupled with the recent pattern of disruptions, have led to a heightened sense of urgency regarding safety and security measures in the area.
The power outage in Nice extended its impact beyond residential homes; several key services were also affected. Nice Airport, the tramway system, and neighboring municipalities like Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Cagnes-sur-Mer experienced significant complications as a direct result of the blackout. Fortunately, power was restored later in the morning, minimizing the duration of the disruption, but the implications of such an event linger in the minds of the local population.
In the wake of the incident, Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, expressed his deep concern and frustration over the acts of violence that disrupted everyday life in the community. He took to social media platform X to denounce these “malicious acts” that threaten the safety of citizens and undermine the tranquility of the region. Furthermore, the city’s deputy mayor, Gaël Nofri, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the fire at the substation was likely of a criminal nature.
This alarming situation is made even more distressing considering that the fire in Nice closely followed a massive blackout in Cannes, which occurred during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. That blackout affected approximately 160,000 homes in the city and surrounding areas, disrupting numerous festival screenings until organizers managed to switch to private generators. Given the timing and locations of both incidents, authorities are investigating the potential for a coordinated series of attacks.
As investigations unfold, no direct connection has yet been established between the two events. Nonetheless, the potential link between them has prompted officials to take preemptive measures to enhance security at electric sites throughout Nice. The local prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, has stated that efforts are ongoing to determine the extent of the damage and the methods employed to carry out these acts.
As the probes continue, residents of Nice and the surrounding areas remain on high alert, wary of further incidents that could disrupt their daily lives. The threat of organized vandalism or arson is a pressing concern, particularly in light of the recent events that have rocked the French Riviera. The local community now looks to law enforcement and municipal authorities for swift action to ensure their safety and restore a sense of normalcy.