25-05-2025

Arson-Probed Outage Disrupts Cannes Finale, Ceremony Proceeds

Date: 25-05-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 1
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Source: foxnews.com

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Summary

A widespread power outage, suspected to be caused by arson at an electrical substation and damage to high-voltage infrastructure, disrupted the final day of the Cannes Film Festival and cut electricity to around 160,000 homes across southeastern France. The blackout suspended some screenings, snarled traffic, and affected train services, but authorities restored power hours before the closing events. Festival organizers secured alternative power and confirmed that the Palme d'Or ceremony would proceed as planned, allowing the celebrations to continue under normal conditions despite the investigation into suspected sabotage.

Key Points

  • Police are investigating suspected arson at an electrical substation.
  • About 160,000 households lost power after high-voltage infrastructure was damaged.
  • Screenings, transport, and local services were disrupted across the region.
  • Power was restored before the Palme d'Or ceremony, which proceeded as planned.
  • Festival organizers used alternative power to maintain closing events.

Articles in this Cluster

Sabotage suspected as power cut hits Cannes Film FestivalBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

A power cut caused by suspected sabotage disrupted screenings on the final day of the Cannes Film Festival, affecting around 160,000 homes. An electricity substation was set on fire and a pylon damaged, but festival organizers say the closing ceremony will go ahead as planned using an alternative power supply.

Power outage disrupts last day of Cannes Film Festival; police investigating possible arson - CBS News

A power outage hit the Cannes Film Festival on its final day, prompting an investigation into possible arson after a fire at an electrical substation and a fallen high-voltage line caused widespread disruptions, affecting 160,000 households; however, power was restored hours before the Palme d'Or ceremony, which proceeded as planned and awarded the top prize to Jafar Panahi's "It Was Just an Accident".

Major power outage disrupts Cannes Film Festival as police investigate arson | Fox News

A major power outage struck southeastern France on Saturday, disrupting the Cannes Film Festival's closing celebrations, including the Palme d'Or ceremony. Around 160,000 households lost electricity after a high-voltage line fell, and police investigated possible arson after a fire at an electrical substation weakened the grid. Power was restored by 3 p.m., allowing the ceremony to proceed as planned. The outage caused traffic jams, disrupted train service, and forced some screenings to be suspended, but the festival organizers confirmed that all scheduled events would continue under normal conditions.