Rescue teams have been tirelessly working through the rubble of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after a tragic roof collapse took place during a live merengue concert early Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, the grim reality set in as authorities reported there had been no signs of survivors since the afternoon of the disaster.
Juan Manuel Méndez, the head of the Dominican Emergency Operations Center, confirmed that at least 113 individuals have died, with the devastating event also resulting in 155 people being hospitalized. Méndez emphasized that many of the ambulances transported multiple victims at once.
Among the deceased is Rubby Pérez, a beloved performer who was on stage when the roof fell around 12:45 a.m. This tragedy marks a significant loss for the Caribbean nation, as the Jet Set nightclub has been a cultural landmark for decades, drawing entertainers, athletes, and politicians alike.
The renowned club, especially popular on Monday nights, has left its community in mourning, with former Major League Baseball players, a local governor, and a prominent fashion designer among the casualties.
As families anxiously await news of their loved ones, rescue efforts involving heavy machinery, trained dogs, drones, and other equipment strive to sift through the debris while hopes for more successful rescues grow dim.
Frances Robles, a seasoned reporter for The New York Times, continues to cover the unfolding situation, offering ongoing updates from the region.
