In brief
In the Dominican Republic, a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub has resulted in significant loss of life, sparking national mourning as families search for answers and loved ones.
Hundreds of rescue workers in Santo Domingo have been tirelessly searching for survivors following a tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub. As of now, reports indicate that at least 113 people have lost their lives, while over 150 individuals have sustained injuries in this calamitous incident that occurred early on a Tuesday morning during a concert featuring renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez.Among the deceased are Pérez, former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel, and a provincial governor. Eyewitness video footage captures Pérez performing on stage just moments before the disaster struck, with the recording showing concerned guests pointing to issues with the ceiling before an audible panic ensued. The collapse caused chaos as people scrambled to escape, and relatives of those missing have been anxiously holding vigils near the site.Zulinka Pérez, the daughter of the late singer, recounted her harrowing experience of survival. On stage at the time of the collapse, she was shielded by her husband while her father was trapped beneath the rubble for hours. Zulinka revealed that her father survived initially, even managing to sing to guide rescuers. However, rescuers later confirmed his tragic passing.Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province, also made headlines for her brave actions during the incident. After surviving the collapse, Cruz made an urgent call to President Luis Abinader asking for immediate assistance for those trapped in the debris. Sadly, she later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital.The cause of the nightclub's roof collapse remains under investigation. Once a cinema, the Jet Set had been transformed into a popular music venue, attracting various attendees, including celebrities and common folk alike. President Abinader has declared three days of national mourning as the community grapples with the profound loss and seeks to understand this tragic event.
