Dominican Republic Nightclub Roof Collapse Kills 98, Injures Over 150
At least 98 people have died and more than 150 others were injured after the roof of a popular nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, early Tuesday morning. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid fears that the death toll could rise further.
The tragedy occurred at the Jet Set nightclub during a live performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The club was reportedly packed with hundreds of attendees at the time of the collapse. Authorities have confirmed that Pérez was among those who lost their lives, according to his manager.
Among the victims were prominent public figures, including Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of former Major League Baseball star Nelson Cruz. Also killed was Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher who played for teams such as the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and New York Yankees. Dotel, 51, was pulled from the debris but died en route to the hospital.
Jet Set is a well-known entertainment venue in Santo Domingo, famous for hosting dance music concerts on Monday nights and attracting notable guests from politics, sports, and entertainment.
Video footage circulating on social media appears to show moments before the collapse. In one clip, a man standing near the stage points towards the ceiling, saying, “something fell from the ceiling.” Rubby Pérez can be seen glancing in the same direction. Moments later, a loud noise is heard and the video cuts to black, followed by a woman’s panicked voice shouting, “Dad, what’s happened to you?”
A band member from Pérez’s group described the moment of collapse, saying, “I thought it was an earthquake.” He confirmed the venue was full at the time, with the collapse happening around 1 a.m.
Emergency Operations Centre director Juan Manuel Méndez expressed hope that more survivors might still be found beneath the rubble, as nearly 400 rescuers continue to work around the clock.
President Luis Abinader offered his condolences to the victims’ families and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, pledging support and assistance in the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
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