SANTIAGO.- The protests against the power grid’s collapse spread to different towns in Cibao, whose inhabitants demand an end to the blackouts.

The north region’s service is uncertain despite the resumed operation at dawn yesterday of Puerto Plata’s San Felipe power plant, with 160 megawatts.

Yesterday the blackouts of up to 20 hours sparked violent street protests in the sectors Beijing, Los Ciruelitos, Gurabo, Espaillat, Dolores, and Los Platanitos, among others, during which 10 youngsters were detained,.

Other demonstrators blocked the Santiago-Licey highway setting tires afire, hurling stones and rubbish.

In Bayaguana (east), Police agents killed the athlete Eliezer de la Cruz, 17, during the protests, which also took place in La Romana (east).