A tragic incident occurred in the Dominican Republic early Tuesday when the roof of a well-known nightclub, Jet Set, collapsed during a live performance, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and injuring approximately 120 others. The incident occurred in the capital city, Santo Domingo, while popular merengue artist Rubby Pérez was performing on stage.
Among the deceased was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi, according to official reports. Pérez, the performer, was fortunate to be rescued alive from the debris. The collapse happened so suddenly that many initially mistook it for an earthquake, according to Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager. Paulino, who was visibly shaken and covered in blood, revealed that the band’s saxophonist was among those who tragically lost their lives in the incident.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with teams tirelessly working to sift through the rubble in search of survivors. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the city’s Center of Emergency Operations, expressed hope that many of those trapped under the debris were still alive. He assured that the authorities would not cease their efforts until every person was accounted for.
In the aftermath of the incident, a hospital official was seen reading out the names of survivors to a crowd of anxious relatives and friends, desperately calling out the names of their loved ones. The cause of the roof collapse remains unclear at this time.
President Luis Abinader expressed his deep regret over the tragedy and assured that all rescue agencies were working relentlessly to assist those affected. He stated, “We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred.” Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó also expressed her condolences, stating, “Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones.”