The second major power outage in two days on the French Riviera has sparked a new wave of concern and suspicion regarding deliberate actions
This emergency occurred in a region traditionally associated with elegance, resort areas, and a high standard of living, but now finds itself at the center of accusations of arson. According to sources, including the BBC news agency and the Ukrainian outlet "European Pravda," the incident took place overnight on Sunday at a substation located in Nice — one of the heartlands of the French Riviera. Explosions that occurred, accompanied by a large fire, prompted emergency services to respond swiftly to contain the blaze and stabilize the situation. By 2 a.m. local time, the fire had engulfed the facility, leading to a complete blackout in the city and surrounding settlements. Official authorities estimate that at least 45,000 households were left in darkness, impacting residents' daily lives and infrastructure. Notably, power was lost at Nice Airport, and the local transportation system — trams and other public transit lines — were rendered inoperable. Power was only restored the following morning, further complicating the situation for residents and tourists alike. City Mayor Christian Estrosi expressed strong disapproval of this incident, calling it “a criminal act against the region and the country.” Deputy Mayor Gaël Nofri added that it is highly likely the crime was caused by arson, raising additional questions about regional security. Local police reported finding tire tracks and damaged doors at the site, suggesting deliberate intrusion and arson. This Sunday episode appears to be a logical continuation of covert and potentially criminal provocations in the region in recent days. The President of the French Riviera and local authorities have called for unity and increased security measures to prevent further unpredictable incidents. This marks the second event in just two days where the region has experienced severe power outages under suspicious circumstances. On May 24, a widespread blackout affected about 160,000 households in Cannes during the international film festival — one of the country's top cultural events. Multiple signs, including traces of arson and evidence of criminal activity, also pointed to intentional sabotage in that case. The circumstances of these incidents have attracted significant attention from the public, law enforcement agencies, and experts, as they involve targeted actions that could further destabilize the region. The French Riviera is renowned not only for its beauty and tourist appeal but also for its reputation for safety. Currently, law enforcement is conducting comprehensive investigations to uncover the motives and identify those responsible for this series of fires and power outages. Authorities advise residents to exercise caution and encourage tourists to approach the situation with understanding and patience. The situation requires rapid response and preventive measures to avoid further crimes such as arson or sabotage. Ongoing reports of potential arsons and strange power outages continue to cause concern among local residents and visitors. Given the urgent nature of the situation, specialists and police have pledged to do their utmost to solve the cases and ensure public safety. The French Riviera, long celebrated for its beauty and tranquility, now faces new challenges linked to criminal activity. Another open question is how widespread these crimes are and whether they are part of a larger criminal network aimed at destabilizing this prestigious resort region. Currently, law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to swiftly establish all circumstances and identify the perpetrators. Therefore, residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant, and the public can look forward to a prompt and objective investigation into this series of arsons and electricity disruptions, which have shaken the French Riviera for the second time in a short period.