Monday, February 16, 2026

Suspected arson attack cuts power in southern France during Cannes

The French Riviera resort of Cannes, known for its glamour and luxury, was struck by a major power outage on Saturday, the final day of the city’s prestigious film festival. The sudden loss of electricity left the city in chaos and raised suspicion of an arson attack by the police.

The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most highly anticipated events in the film industry, attracts celebrities, filmmakers, and movie enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival, which takes place every year in May, showcases some of the best films from around the globe and is a celebration of cinema and creativity.

However, this year’s festival ended on a sour note as the city was plunged into darkness due to a massive power outage. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, just a few hours before the closing ceremony of the festival. The sudden loss of power affected not only the festival but also the entire city, causing chaos and confusion among the residents and tourists.

The cause of the power outage is still unknown, but the police suspect it to be an act of arson. According to reports, several power cables were found damaged, leading the authorities to believe that it was a deliberate act. The police have launched an investigation into the matter and are looking into all possible leads to determine the cause of the incident.

The power outage not only disrupted the festival’s closing ceremony but also caused major inconvenience to the residents and businesses in Cannes. Many shops, restaurants, and hotels were forced to shut down due to the lack of electricity, resulting in significant financial losses. The city’s famous promenade, La Croisette, was also affected, with many of its iconic landmarks left in darkness.

Despite the chaos and disruption, the festival’s organizers managed to continue with the closing ceremony, albeit with a few changes. The ceremony, which was supposed to take place at the Palais des Festivals, was moved to a nearby hotel that had a backup generator. The winners of the coveted Palme d’Or and other awards were announced, and the festival concluded on a bittersweet note.

The power outage in Cannes has raised concerns about the safety and security of the city, especially during such high-profile events. The festival’s organizers have assured that they will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. The police have also increased their presence in the city and are working closely with the festival’s security team to ensure the safety of the attendees.

Despite the unfortunate turn of events, the Cannes Film Festival was a huge success, with many critically acclaimed films being showcased and celebrated. The festival’s red carpet was graced by some of the biggest names in the film industry, and the city was once again the center of attention for all the right reasons. The power outage may have caused a temporary disruption, but it did not dampen the spirit of the festival or the city’s charm.

As the Cannes Film Festival came to an end, the city’s residents and tourists were left with a mix of emotions. While the power outage was a setback, it also highlighted the resilience and determination of the people of Cannes. The city’s beauty and charm, along with its ability to bounce back from adversity, will continue to attract visitors from all over the world. The Cannes Film Festival may have ended, but the spirit of the city will live on, shining bright like the stars that graced its red carpet.

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