WEBDESK: A tragic incident struck the Dominican Republic as the roof of a nightclub collapsed in the capital city of Santo Domingo. The disaster happened during a concert at the Jet Set nightclub, a popular spot known for live music and dancing.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday at a concert by popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez at the Jet Set nightclub. He was among those killed in the incident, his manager said.
At least 98 people have lost their lives, and over 150 others were injured. Rescue teams rushed to the scene to help survivors trapped under the rubble. The incident has shocked the entire Dominican Republic, with families mourning the unexpected loss of their loved ones.
One of Rubby Pérez’s band members told local media that the club had been full when the collapse happened “at around 1am”.
“I thought it was an earthquake,” the musician said.
The daughter of Rubby Pérez said her father was among those trapped in the debris.
Among the victims were some well-known figures in the Dominican Republic, including famous merengue singer Rubby Pérez, former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, and Monte Cristi’s governor Nelsy Cruz. Their deaths have added to the nation’s grief.
The director of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE), Juan Manuel Méndez, said he was hopeful that many of those buried under the collapsed roof were still alive. Around 400 emergency workers are still searching the wreckage, fearing that more people could be trapped beneath.
Officials are looking into whether poor construction or safety violations played a role in the incident. Locals say the venue was crowded at the time of the event, raising questions about whether it exceeded its safe capacity.
The government of the Dominican Republic has announced a period of national mourning and vowed to support affected families. The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, has expressed his sorrow and promised a full investigation into the cause of the collapse.
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