An iconic nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, collapsed early Tuesday during a live merengue concert.
The roof of Jet Set nightclub suddenly collapsed. Hundreds of people were present, including high-profile politicians and athletes. Officials reported that at least 66 died and over 160 others were injured.
A video recorded shortly before the tragedy shows the last moments before the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed.
The footage captures a lively dance performance and a cheering audience, unaware of the impending doom above. In a matter of seconds, it turned into chaos as the roof collapsed, trapping hundreds of people inside.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene and started looking for survivors. Firefighters were seen shattering rubble with drills and wooden planks to remove heavy concrete blocks. Even 12 hours after the collapse, they were still searching people, the Associated Press reported.
Juan Manuel Mndez, who leads the country’s Centre of Emergency Operations, said, “We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” he said.
He added that rescue workers were focusing on three parts of the nightclub where they believed people might still be alive. “We’re hearing some sounds,” he said.
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Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB player Nelson Cruz. She spoke to President Luis Abinader around midnight on the call, stating that she was pinned beneath the fallen roof.
She later died at the hospital, according to First Lady Raquel Abraje, who reported to journalists, “This is too great a tragedy.”
Many celebrities also became victims of the collapse. The professional baseball league of the Dominican Republic confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel had passed away.
Dotel was rescued from the rubble and rushed to a hospital but did not make it. Another prominent player, Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, also died, league spokesperson Satosky Terrero said.
There was also uncertainty regarding Rubby Prez, the merengue singer who was on stage when the collapse occurred. His family initially reported that he was safe, but later Mndez explained that rescue teams were still looking for him.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the roof collapse as search and rescue operations continue.
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