The city of Santo Domingo is in mourning after a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 113 confirmed dead and many more injured during a crowded concert.
Tragedy Strikes in Dominican Republic as Nightclub Roof Collapse Claims Lives
Tragedy Strikes in Dominican Republic as Nightclub Roof Collapse Claims Lives
Devastation unfolds as rescue efforts continue for victims of the Santo Domingo nightclub disaster
Hundreds of rescue workers have engaged in a relentless overnight search for potential survivors following the collapse of the nightclub’s roof in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Officials have reported that this tragic incident took the lives of at least 113 individuals and left over 150 injured when the structure gave way around 1:00 AM local time (5:00 AM GMT) on Tuesday. Many people were present in the club for a concert featuring renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez.
Among the deceased are notable figures, including former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel and a provincial governor. Heart-wrenching mobile phone footage recorded before the collapse shows Pérez performing while a concertgoer alerts others of the distressing situation. Shortly after the warning, chaos ensued, with the video abruptly ending as a woman cries for her father, capturing the harrowing atmosphere inside.
While attendance numbers remain unclear, estimates suggest that as many as 1,000 people might have been inside the nightclub during the tragic event. In an effort to rescue the trapped, emergency services have taken drastic measures, demolishing walls to access the wreckage. As family members gather outside the venue, holding vigils and anxiously awaiting updates, Zulinka, Pérez's daughter and a member of his band, shared her harrowing experience of the disaster. Shielded by her husband, she was able to escape and recounted how her father was found singing to guide rescuers to his location. Tragically, he was pronounced dead before they could assist him.
Nelsy Cruz, a fellow survivor, famously called Dominican President Luis Abinader from beneath the debris to alert him of the situation, but despite her bravery and urgency, she succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. Dotel, meanwhile, was rescued but tragically passed away en route to medical assistance.
As investigations into the cause of the nightclub's collapse commence, President Abinader has instituted a three-day national mourning period to honor the victims of this heart-wrenching incident, deepening the grief felt throughout the nation. The Jet Set, previously a cinema, had become a staple venue for music performances, drawing a diverse crowd, including sports figures, celebrities, and politicians.
Among the deceased are notable figures, including former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel and a provincial governor. Heart-wrenching mobile phone footage recorded before the collapse shows Pérez performing while a concertgoer alerts others of the distressing situation. Shortly after the warning, chaos ensued, with the video abruptly ending as a woman cries for her father, capturing the harrowing atmosphere inside.
While attendance numbers remain unclear, estimates suggest that as many as 1,000 people might have been inside the nightclub during the tragic event. In an effort to rescue the trapped, emergency services have taken drastic measures, demolishing walls to access the wreckage. As family members gather outside the venue, holding vigils and anxiously awaiting updates, Zulinka, Pérez's daughter and a member of his band, shared her harrowing experience of the disaster. Shielded by her husband, she was able to escape and recounted how her father was found singing to guide rescuers to his location. Tragically, he was pronounced dead before they could assist him.
Nelsy Cruz, a fellow survivor, famously called Dominican President Luis Abinader from beneath the debris to alert him of the situation, but despite her bravery and urgency, she succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. Dotel, meanwhile, was rescued but tragically passed away en route to medical assistance.
As investigations into the cause of the nightclub's collapse commence, President Abinader has instituted a three-day national mourning period to honor the victims of this heart-wrenching incident, deepening the grief felt throughout the nation. The Jet Set, previously a cinema, had become a staple venue for music performances, drawing a diverse crowd, including sports figures, celebrities, and politicians.
