At least 98 people have been confirmed dead and 160 injured following the tragic collapse of the roof at the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during a merengue concert on Tuesday.
Authorities are continuing their search for survivors in the rubble, with rescue operations ongoing at the one-story club.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, confirmed that crews are focusing their efforts on clearing debris and are working tirelessly in their search.
“We continue clearing debris and searching for people,” Méndez said late Tuesday night. “We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”
Rescue operations continued for hours, with workers listening carefully for any faint cries for help as they removed large chunks of concrete and used planks to lift heavy debris.
“We’re hearing some sounds,” Méndez added, as teams prioritized three areas within the nightclub.
Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.
She had made a call to President Luis Abinader, stating she was trapped after the roof collapse, and later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, and Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera were also among the deceased, according to the Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic.
While at least 160 people were injured, including national lawmaker Bray Vargas, the search for survivors continued.
Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing during the concert, was initially reported as rescued but was later confirmed to still be missing, Méndez clarified.
Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, who survived the incident, recounted that the roof fell shortly after midnight, killing the group’s saxophonist.
The cause of the roof collapse remains unclear, and it is not known when the Jet Set nightclub was last inspected. In response to the tragedy, the club’s owner, Antonio Espaillat, who had been out of the country, returned and expressed his devastation.
“There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone,” he stated.
As rescue crews continued their work, the mayor’s office and the Ministry of Public Works directed further inquiries about the incident.
A makeshift morgue was set up near the club, and a blood donation drive was organized as more than 120 people lined up to offer help.
Amid the uncertainty, families and friends of the victims waited anxiously for news. Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son was at the concert but has not returned home, said, “We’re holding on only to God.” Massiel Cuevas, waiting for news of her goddaughter, was hopeful that Darlenys Batista would be pulled out alive, saying, “I’m waiting for her. She’s in there, I know she’s in there.”
President Luis Abinader expressed his sorrow over the incident and visited the site to support those affected.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” he posted on social media.
The rescue operation continued through the night, with many still hoping to find their loved ones among the wreckage.
