1 week ago
Last Updated:April 09, 2025, 07:18 IST
Even 12 hours after the collapse, the search for potential survivors continued, with rescue workers tirelessly working to clear the wreckage.
Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo/AP)
At least 79 people died, and over 160 were injured after the roof of an iconic nightclub in the Dominican capital collapsed early Tuesday during a merengue concert attended by politicians, athletes and others.
Upon receiving the information, the rescue teams rushed to the spot and started looking for survivors. Firefighters were seen shattering rubble with drills and wooden planks to remove heavy concrete blocks.
Even 12 hours after the collapse, they were still searching for people, the Associated Press reported.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, said that the crews were searching for potential survivors in the rubble at the one-story Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. “We continue clearing debris and searching for people," he said on Tuesday night. “We’re going to search tirelessly for people."
Méndez said rescue crews prioritised three areas in the club: “We’re hearing some sounds."
Nelsy Cruz, the sister of Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz and governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi, was among the victims of the nightclub collapse. She had called President Luis Abinaader at 12:49 a.m., reporting she was trapped under the debris after the roof caved in.
“This is too great a tragedy," First Lady Raquel Abraje said, her voice breaking.
The professional baseball league of the Dominican Republic confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel had passed away. Officials had rescued Dotel from the debris earlier and brought him to a hospital, but he did not make it. Also killed was Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, said league spokesman Satosky Terrero.
Relatives of merengue singer Rubby Pérez initially reported that he had been rescued after the nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. However, Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, later clarified that Pérez was still missing and rescue crews were actively searching for him.
The club issued a statement saying it was cooperating with authorities and noted that the owner, Antonio Espaillat, was out of the country and returned late Tuesday.
“There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone," he said.
President Abinader wrote on X that all rescue agencies are “working tirelessly" to help those affected.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred," he wrote.
Abinader visited the nightclub collapse site, offering comfort to distraught families searching for loved ones. “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive," he told reporters.
Location :Dominican Republic
First Published:April 09, 2025, 07:08 IST
News world 79 Killed, Over 160 Injured After Dominican Republic Nightclub Roof Collapses
