Rescue operations continue in Santo Domingo after a nightclub roof collapse during an event leads to at least 113 fatalities and over 150 injuries, leaving families and friends searching for answers.
Tragedy Strikes as Nightclub Roof Collapse Claims Lives in Dominican Republic
Tragedy Strikes as Nightclub Roof Collapse Claims Lives in Dominican Republic
The devastating nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo results in significant loss of life and numerous injuries, igniting a nationwide tragedy.
In a heartbreaking incident late Tuesday, a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic's capital, Santo Domingo, has claimed at least 113 lives and left more than 150 injured. The catastrophe struck around 01:00 local time, during a concert featuring renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez.
Eyewitness accounts and mobile phone recordings from the scene reveal the alarming moment leading up to the collapse. Attendees captured video footage of Pérez performing as the ceiling began to deteriorate. In the seconds following initial signs of trouble, chaos erupted. Witnesses voiced fears for their loved ones amidst screams for help, as the roof unexpectedly gave way.
While estimates of the crowd size inside the popular venue range from 500 to 1,000, rescue teams have been working tirelessly to navigate through the debris and locate survivors. Emergency crews have resorted to demolishing parts of the club to enhance their search efforts. The scene has been filled with distraught family members, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Among them is Pérez's daughter, Zulinka, who was performing beside her father. She recounted a harrowing experience of survival, shielded by her husband amid the collapsing structure.
As rescue workers struggled to free Pérez, reports indicated he used his voice to signal for assistance, singing in a desperate bid to be heard. Tragically, despite his efforts and the delay in rescuing him, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries before he could be freed from the debris.
Among the casualties was also Nelsy Cruz, who initially survived the collapse and made a remarkable call for help to the president of the Dominican Republic. Sadly, she later died in the hospital due to injuries sustained during the event. Former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel was also reported as among the deceased, having survived the initial collapse but failing to make it to the hospital alive.
The Jet Set nightclub, previously a cinema, had recently been hosting a series of dance music concerts catering to a diverse audience. The government of President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning in response to this tragic loss, as the nation comes to terms with the aftermath of the catastrophic event. Investigations into the cause of the roof collapse are ongoing, leaving many eager for answers.
Eyewitness accounts and mobile phone recordings from the scene reveal the alarming moment leading up to the collapse. Attendees captured video footage of Pérez performing as the ceiling began to deteriorate. In the seconds following initial signs of trouble, chaos erupted. Witnesses voiced fears for their loved ones amidst screams for help, as the roof unexpectedly gave way.
While estimates of the crowd size inside the popular venue range from 500 to 1,000, rescue teams have been working tirelessly to navigate through the debris and locate survivors. Emergency crews have resorted to demolishing parts of the club to enhance their search efforts. The scene has been filled with distraught family members, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Among them is Pérez's daughter, Zulinka, who was performing beside her father. She recounted a harrowing experience of survival, shielded by her husband amid the collapsing structure.
As rescue workers struggled to free Pérez, reports indicated he used his voice to signal for assistance, singing in a desperate bid to be heard. Tragically, despite his efforts and the delay in rescuing him, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries before he could be freed from the debris.
Among the casualties was also Nelsy Cruz, who initially survived the collapse and made a remarkable call for help to the president of the Dominican Republic. Sadly, she later died in the hospital due to injuries sustained during the event. Former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel was also reported as among the deceased, having survived the initial collapse but failing to make it to the hospital alive.
The Jet Set nightclub, previously a cinema, had recently been hosting a series of dance music concerts catering to a diverse audience. The government of President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning in response to this tragic loss, as the nation comes to terms with the aftermath of the catastrophic event. Investigations into the cause of the roof collapse are ongoing, leaving many eager for answers.
