A suspected act of arson sparked a massive Cannes power outage disrupting film festival events on Saturday morning, stunning attendees. The fire damaged a high-voltage transformer around 10 a.m., causing 160,000 homes in Cannes and nearby areas to lose power.
France’s electricity operator, RTE, said the flames, alongside line damage, triggered a large-scale disruption. They worked urgently to restore service and succeeded by 3:00 p.m. local time. Local police quickly launched an investigation and believed criminal activity caused damage to the fire and the power line.
A gendarmerie spokesperson confirmed authorities are treating the incident as a possible arson case and reviewing footage and site details. The sudden blackout left Cannes shops, restaurants, and transportation systems in disarray as essential services temporarily stopped functioning. Internet access, mobile networks, and train traffic also experienced significant interruptions during the outage.
Business owners scrambled to limit losses as refrigeration systems and payment services failed amid the blackout. Tourists and industry professionals attending the Cannes Film Festival also felt the shutdown’s effects. Several screenings were interrupted, and venues paused operations until emergency power came online.
Australian producer Darren Vukasinovic described the chaos, saying Cannes ran out of croissants and coffee and was near “meltdown” mode Saturday morning. Despite that, organizers confirmed the closing ceremony will continue as planned on independent power.
Officials stated the prestigious Palme d’Or award ceremony would take place normally on Saturday evening, thanks to backup generators at the venue. As French actress Juliette Binoche and her jury prepare to announce the winner, the city slowly returns to normal. With an active investigation underway, authorities remain focused on identifying the individual or group responsible for the transformer fire.
