SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — At least 98 people have died and over 150 injured after the roof of a popular nightclub collapsed during a concert in the capital city early Tuesday morning.
The tragedy happened around 1 a.m. at Jet Set nightclub, a well-known spot in Santo Domingo where merengue star Rubby Pérez was performing. Hundreds of people were inside the building when the roof caved in and many were trapped under the rubble.
Among the dead are Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz, and retired MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel. Dotel, 51, was pulled from the rubble but died on the way to the hospital.
Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy in Santo Domingo
Over 400 rescue workers are still on site and the death toll may rise as the search continues.
“It was like an earthquake,” said one of Pérez’s band members. “The whole place was full and then everything just came down.”
Shocking video footage from inside the club shows people enjoying the show just before the collapse. In one clip a man standing near the stage says “Something fell from the ceiling” seconds before the screen goes black and screams fill the air.
Rubby Pérez was among those trapped under the rubble. His daughter said he has not been found yet.
Jet Set is a popular spot for celebrities, politicians and athletes and Monday nights are their biggest party nights. The club was full capacity that night. According to the Emergency Operations Centre there is still hope that some of the missing may be alive.
President Luis Abinader addressed the nation, condolences to the families of the victims, and praised the rescue efforts. “This is a sad day for our country,” he said. “We are with everyone affected.”
An investigation is underway.
