In a harrowing incident in the Dominican Republic, at least 113 people have lost their lives and over 150 others have been injured after a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo during a concert.
Tragedy Strikes as Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic Claims Over 100 Lives
Tragedy Strikes as Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic Claims Over 100 Lives
Rescue efforts continue in Santo Domingo as the search for survivors of a nightclub roof collapse intensifies.
Hundreds of rescue workers have been tirelessly searching for survivors since the collapse occurred just before 01:00 local time on Tuesday, while anguished families wait desperately for news of loved ones. The venue was hosting merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who is among the deceased, alongside former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel and a provincial governor.
Witnesses captured the chaos on mobile phones, with video footage showing the moments before the tragedy unfolded. As performers and guests enjoyed the event, a sudden noise heralded disaster. Eyewitness accounts reveal the harrowing panic that ensued when the roof began to fail, and the room was plunged into darkness amid screams for help.
Dazed and disoriented, survivors have recounted their experiences in the wake of the collapse. Zulinka Pérez, daughter of the late singer, managed to escape with her life after her husband shielded her from the falling debris. Sadly, her father, who attempted to lead rescuers to his location by singing, tragically succumbed to his injuries before help arrived.
Nelsy Cruz, the provincial governor, also perished after her urgent calls for aid led to initial rescue efforts. Although she was among the first to signal a crisis to President Luis Abinader, the injuries she sustained cost her life in the hospital.
As investigations into the cause of the collapse begin, the scene remains one of heartbreak and mourning. The Jet Set nightclub, formerly a cinema, had been a well-loved venue for all ages, hosting a variety of musical performances and events.
In response to this tragedy, President Abinader has called for three days of national mourning, reflecting the devastation felt by the families of victims and the wider Dominican community. The incident raises pressing questions about structure safety and event management as the nation grapples with the loss of life and the impact on survivors.
Witnesses captured the chaos on mobile phones, with video footage showing the moments before the tragedy unfolded. As performers and guests enjoyed the event, a sudden noise heralded disaster. Eyewitness accounts reveal the harrowing panic that ensued when the roof began to fail, and the room was plunged into darkness amid screams for help.
Dazed and disoriented, survivors have recounted their experiences in the wake of the collapse. Zulinka Pérez, daughter of the late singer, managed to escape with her life after her husband shielded her from the falling debris. Sadly, her father, who attempted to lead rescuers to his location by singing, tragically succumbed to his injuries before help arrived.
Nelsy Cruz, the provincial governor, also perished after her urgent calls for aid led to initial rescue efforts. Although she was among the first to signal a crisis to President Luis Abinader, the injuries she sustained cost her life in the hospital.
As investigations into the cause of the collapse begin, the scene remains one of heartbreak and mourning. The Jet Set nightclub, formerly a cinema, had been a well-loved venue for all ages, hosting a variety of musical performances and events.
In response to this tragedy, President Abinader has called for three days of national mourning, reflecting the devastation felt by the families of victims and the wider Dominican community. The incident raises pressing questions about structure safety and event management as the nation grapples with the loss of life and the impact on survivors.
