A tragic incident struck the Dominican capital early Tuesday when the roof of the famous Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a merengue concert, killing at least 79 people and injuring 160 others, authorities said.
The concert was being attended by politicians, athletes, and many others. Rescue teams worked tirelessly throughout the day and night, pulling survivors from the rubble and clearing debris. Some sounds from under the debris have given hope that more survivors may still be trapped.
“This is too great a tragedy,” said First Lady Raquel Abraje, who confirmed the death of Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz. She had called for help shortly before her death.
Singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time, is still missing, though earlier reports claimed he had been rescued. His saxophonist was confirmed to have died. The show began before midnight, and the roof collapsed nearly an hour later.
Officials are still trying to determine the cause of the collapse. The club owner, Antonio Espaillat, has returned to the country and said, “There are no words to express the pain this event has caused.”
Rescue teams are focusing on three specific areas of the building and are still hearing signs of life. Over 120 people have donated blood at nearby centers to support the injured.
President Luis Abinader visited the site, comforting families and assuring that rescue efforts would not stop until all people were accounted for. “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” he said.
A temporary morgue has been set up nearby, and relatives have gathered at hospitals and forensic centers, hoping to find their loved ones.
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