A suspected arson attack led to widespread power disruptions in southern France on Saturday, affecting Cannes during its world-famous film festival as investigators look into the cause of a fire at a local power station.
Southern France experienced a major power outage on Saturday, including the city of Cannes, where the renowned Cannes Film Festival was taking place. Authorities have opened an investigation into a possible arson attack as the cause of the disruption.
The blackout originated from a fire at a high-voltage power station in Tanneron, a town located about 23 kilometers west of Cannes. According to the Alpes-Maritimes departmental office, the fire significantly disrupted power in the region. A spokesperson for the French national gendarmerie confirmed that officials are considering the likelihood that the fire was started intentionally. No arrests have been reported at this stage.
Local businesses in Tanneron, such as a café and a bakery, were without electricity on Saturday morning, leaving them unable to serve customers during peak hours.
Power returned partially in Cannes by the afternoon. The national electricity transmission operator, RTE, stated that work was underway to fully restore electricity to all affected areas within hours.
Despite the disruption, the Cannes Film Festival confirmed that the closing ceremony would proceed as planned on Saturday evening.
This incident follows a major blackout on April 28 that impacted the Iberian Peninsula, affecting Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and parts of southern France. Spain’s electricity grid operator REE reported that the disturbance began in regions like Granada, Badajoz, and Seville. These areas rely heavily on photovoltaic solar energy and lack synchronized backup sources such as hydroelectric, thermal, or nuclear power, making them especially vulnerable to fluctuations.
As soon as France detected frequency instabilities from Spain’s power grid, it disconnected from the shared system to protect its own infrastructure. This move left the Iberian Peninsula isolated, which intensified the disruption.
Authorities continue to investigate the Tanneron fire while monitoring grid stability in the region.
A suspected arson attack may be behind the widespread power outage that struck southeastern France, disrupting daily life and briefly halting events at the Cannes Film Festival just hours before its grand finale.
After two thrilling weeks of premieres and parties, the Cannes Film Festival prepares to close with the crowning of this year's prestigious Palme d'Or winner.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival, now at its halfway point, has already delivered surprises, standout stars, and new regulations, making it one of the most talked-about editions in recent years.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened with a star-studded ceremony, honoring Robert De Niro with an honorary Palme d’Or, as Hollywood’s finest gathered to celebrate cinema.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival has officially opened, offering a 12-day celebration of cinema featuring premieres, directorial debuts, and thought-provoking documentaries.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House in a historic meeting, claiming credit for stopping the recent India-Pakistan conflict, though India denied any U.S. mediation.
President Donald Trump is facing pushback from within his own "America First" coalition over the prospect of U.S. military involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supports China’s position that its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States should be resolved through dialogue.
Japanese stocks saw the largest foreign inflow in four weeks during the week ending June 14, driven by optimism over U.S.-China trade talks and a weaker yen supporting exporters’ earnings.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House in a historic meeting, claiming credit for stopping the recent India-Pakistan conflict, though India denied any U.S. mediation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supports China’s position that its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States should be resolved through dialogue.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House in a historic meeting, claiming credit for stopping the recent India-Pakistan conflict, though India denied any U.S. mediation.
President Donald Trump is facing pushback from within his own "America First" coalition over the prospect of U.S. military involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supports China’s position that its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States should be resolved through dialogue.
Japanese stocks saw the largest foreign inflow in four weeks during the week ending June 14, driven by optimism over U.S.-China trade talks and a weaker yen supporting exporters’ earnings.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment