According to authorities, at least 58 people died and 160 others in the Capital of the Dominican Republic when the roof collapsed at a nightclub during the early hours this of this Tuesday. The club, called Jet Set was hosting a merengue concert with many noteworthy personalities in attendance, including politicians and athletes.
So far, more than 146 people have been pulled alive from the rubble of the nightclub, said Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Emergency Operations Centre. He added, that at the time of the collapse, the venue had at least 300 people inside.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” he said.
Families of the missing gathered at the scene and shared pictures of their loved ones, as more than 150 ambulances rushed the injured to hospital. Personnel from at least 22 public institutions are at the site helping with response efforts, officials said.
Cause of the roof collapse in Dominican Republic
The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined.
Among the dead was Nelsy Cruz, governor of the Monte Cristi province, Dominican President Luis Abinader said. Cruz was related to MLB all-star Nelson Cruz, according a statement from his family mourning her death.
Meanwhile, the injured include legislator Bray Vargas and merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed, officials said.
Jet Set issued a statement saying it was cooperating with authorities. “The loss of human life leaves us in a state of deep pain and dismay,” it said.
Carolina Mejía de Garrigó, the city’s mayor, said Santo Domingo was waking “to a terrible tragedy,” offering her condolences to families “still waiting for news of their loved ones.”
The Jet Set nightclub in Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean nation’s most famous venues, and its Monday night events are especially well attended.
