Tragedy Strikes as Nightclub Roof Collapse Claims Lives in Dominican Republic

Rescue operations are underway following a catastrophic roof collapse at a popular Dominican Republic nightclub, resulting in immense loss of life and a search for survivors.

Hundreds of rescue workers have been tirelessly combing through the wreckage of the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, where a roof collapse during a concert has left at least 113 people dead and over 150 injured. The tragedy unfolded just before 1 AM local time on Tuesday during a performance by renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez, whose presence at the event added to the heartbreak as he was confirmed among the deceased.

Mobile footage verified by reporters captures the moment of chaos as a panicked audience witnessed the ceiling's sudden failure. Eyewitnesses reported that fans had filled the club, which was hosting the concert, and there are estimates that as many as 1,000 individuals were present that night. Relatives of victims continue to congregate at the scene, desperately awaiting news on their loved ones, with many holding vigil amid the rubble.

Zulinka Pérez, the singer’s daughter, shared her harrowing experience of how her husband shielded her during the collapse, allowing her to escape while her father remained trapped. In a remarkable show of will, Rubby Pérez reportedly sang out to guide rescuers to his location, leading them to discover him alive. Sadly, rescue efforts came too late, and he succumbed to injuries sustained during the disaster, an outcome shared by former MLB player Octavio Dotel, who also died after being pulled from the debris.

Initially surviving the impact, Nelsy Cruz, a provincial governor, placed a call for emergency assistance directly to President Luis Abinader while pinned under the wreckage. Although she survived the initial collapse, she later lost her life due to her injuries. This tragedy has thrust the nation into deep mourning; President Abinader has declared a three-day national period of mourning, and investigations are underway to understand the causes behind the roof collapse, with reports suggesting that the building, formerly a cinema, had recently become a concert venue without significant safety inspections.