In a tragic incident on Tuesday, the roof of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed, resulting in at least 79 fatalities and leaving 160 more individuals injured.
The disastrous event occurred during a meringue concert at a renowned nightclub, which was attended by hundreds of people, including VIPs.
Following the collapse, rescue teams commenced a search for any potential survivors trapped under the rubble of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo.
Insights from the Rescue Teams
Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Center of Emergency Operations, stated, “We assume there could still be survivors under the debris, and hence, the authorities will relentlessly continue their efforts until every individual is accounted for.”
Among the victims were Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern Montechristi, and former Major League baseball player Octavio Dotel.
While initial reports suggested that merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was performing at the venue, died in the incident, this has not been officially confirmed by Juan Manuel Mendez.
Legislator Bray Vargas was also among the injured.
“It happened so suddenly. I thought it was an earthquake, so I dropped to the ground and shielded my head,” recalled Enrique Paulino, the singer’s manager.
“One of our saxophonists did not survive, we attempted to reach the area where Rubby was but the debris was too extensive,” Paulino added.
Local media estimates put the number of people present at the club at the time of the incident between 500 and 1,000.
Prioritizing the Rescue Efforts
Dominican President Luis Abinader announced on the social media platform X that all rescue agencies are actively involved in aiding those affected by the tragedy.
“Our hearts are heavy due to the tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been closely monitoring the situation since it happened,” he expressed.
Abinader visited the site, offering comfort to those searching for their friends and family, albeit without speaking to the press.
“The primary goal is to save lives… We are profoundly impacted,” President Abinader stated upon his arrival.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
