SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Authorities have reported that at least 18 individuals lost their lives, and over 120 sustained injuries when a nightclub roof caved in early Tuesday in the Dominican Republic’s capital.
According to Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, rescue teams are actively searching through the debris at Jet Set in Santo Domingo for any potential survivors.
He stated, “We believe that many individuals are still alive, which is why the authorities here will continue their efforts until everyone has been accounted for.”
Among the deceased is Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi. Officials also confirmed that merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time of the collapse, is among the injured.
Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager, whose shirt was stained with blood, told reporters at the scene that the concert had just begun before midnight, and about an hour later, the roof collapsed, killing the band’s saxophonist.
“It all happened so fast. I was able to dive into a corner,” he recounted, adding that his initial reaction was that an earthquake had occurred.
President Luis Abinader shared on X that all rescue teams are “working tirelessly” to assist those impacted.
“We deeply regret the tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been monitoring the situation closely from the moment it occurred,” he posted.
Abinader visited the site and embraced people searching for their loved ones, some of whom were in tears. He did not address the press.
An official used a megaphone outside the club, urging the large crowd gathered to search for friends and family to clear the way for ambulances.
“Please cooperate with the authorities,” he requested. “We are working to evacuate people.”
At a local hospital where the injured were taken, an official announced the names of the survivors, as a crowd gathered around her, calling out the names of their relatives.
The cause of the roof collapse remains unclear.
___
Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“`