Nightclub Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic Leaves 58 Dead and Over 160 Injured During Concert

At least 58 individuals lost their lives, and 160 others sustained injuries when the roof of a well-known nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a merengue concert. The incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub, where politicians, athletes, and others were present. Rescue teams continued to search for survivors amidst the debris, as stated by Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.

Rescue Efforts Continue

Rescue operations persisted nearly 12 hours after the collapse, with crews still extracting survivors from the wreckage. Firefighters worked tirelessly, removing concrete blocks and using wooden planks to lift heavy debris. The sound of drills breaking through concrete filled the air as they searched for those trapped beneath. Méndez confirmed that the death toll had reached 58 by late afternoon.

Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. She had contacted President Luis Abinader shortly after midnight, reporting that she was trapped under the collapsed roof. First Lady Raquel Abraje shared this information with reporters, noting that Cruz later died in hospital. "This is too great a tragedy," Abraje said emotionally.

Notable Figures Affected

The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic announced on X that MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel had died. Dotel had been rescued from the debris earlier and taken to a hospital. Injured individuals included legislator Bray Vargas and merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof gave way. Pérez's manager, Enrique Paulino, described the scene, saying it happened quickly and initially felt like an earthquake.

The cause of the collapse remains unclear. Jet Set nightclub issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and pledged cooperation with authorities. The last inspection date for the building is unknown. A Ministry of Public Works spokeswoman mentioned that officials were on-site but unavailable for comment.

Authorities Focus on Survivors

Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos told CDN TV station that while people want answers about what happened, authorities are prioritising finding survivors. Manuel Olivo Ortiz anxiously awaited news outside the club for his son who attended the concert but hadn't returned home. Massiel Cuevas also waited for her goddaughter Darlenys Batista, expressing hope that she would be found alive.

President Abinader expressed his condolences on X, stating that all rescue agencies are "working tirelessly" to assist those affected by this tragedy. He visited the scene to comfort those searching for loved ones and expressed faith in rescuing more people alive. An official urged crowds outside to allow ambulances space to operate efficiently.

At a hospital where injured individuals were taken, an official read aloud names of survivors as anxious relatives gathered around. Meanwhile, at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, images of victims were displayed for identification by their families.

The tragic event has left many grieving and searching for answers as rescue efforts continue in Santo Domingo.