News Update
THE roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a merengue concert, leaving at least 44 people dead and 160 injured.
The venue, which was filled with politicians, athletes, and other guests, became the site of devastation as rescue crews worked tirelessly to find survivors in the rubble, according to AP News.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Centre of Emergency Operations, confirmed that search efforts continued.
“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.
Rescue workers spent hours clearing debris, determined to reach those trapped beneath the ruins.
By the afternoon, the death toll had risen to 44, with rescue teams still pulling survivors from the wreckage. Amid the chaos, the noise of drills and machinery filled the air as workers navigated through broken concrete and beams to save lives.
Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. She had called President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m. to report that the roof had collapsed and she was trapped.
Cruz later died in hospital.
“This is too great a tragedy,” said First Lady Raquel Abraje, her voice choked with emotion.
Several notable figures were also injured, including former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, legislator Bray Vargas, and merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed.
Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, whose shirt was stained with blood, described how quickly the disaster unfolded.
“It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” he said. “I initially thought it was an earthquake.”
The cause of the collapse remains unclear, with the nightclub expressing full cooperation with authorities. “The loss of human life leaves us in a state of deep pain and dismay,” the nightclub said in a statement.
As rescue operations continued, anxious family members gathered outside the venue, waiting for news of their loved ones. Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son had attended the concert, said, “We’re holding on only to God.”
Massiel Cuevas, the godmother of 22-year-old Darlenys Batista, was also waiting, firmly believing that Batista would be rescued.
“I’m waiting for her. She’s in there, I know she’s in there,” Cuevas said.
President Abinader shared his condolences on social media, stating that all rescue agencies were “working tirelessly” to assist those affected.
He later visited the scene, offering support to grieving families. “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” Abinader told reporters.
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Authorities urged the crowd to allow ambulances and rescue workers to do their jobs. At a nearby hospital, officials read aloud the names of survivors, while the National Institute of Forensic Pathology displayed photos of victims to help identify them. The search for survivors continues as hope remains.
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