At least 124 were killed after a dramatic roof collapse in a popular club in Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic. Late Tuesday night saw the tragedy that happened during a concert at Jet Set nightclub which attracted a prominent crowd that comprises entertainers, politicians, and athletes.
By Wednesday, officials confirmed the mounting death toll as hopes of discovering additional survivors dissipated. Rescue crews had rescued over 150 individuals in the initial response, but no additional rescues were reported since Tuesday afternoon. Families camped outside the rubble overnight, hoping for word of loved ones, many holding up photos to police in hopes of identification.
Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Dominican Republic’s emergency operations center, said search and rescue efforts might take an additional 24 to 36 hours. Heavy equipment has been brought in to help clear the rubble.
The collapse occurred during a performance by renowned Dominican merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was also killed. His body was discovered Wednesday morning.
Other prominent victims are ex-Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. President Luis Abinader affirmed that Nelsy Cruz, Monte Cristi province governor and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also killed in the accident. The minister of public works and communications’ son was also among the victims.
The reason for the collapse remains under investigation. Structural failure has not been excluded by officials, and a full analysis is to be done by an engineering team.
This is one of the most fatal nightclub disasters in recent Caribbean history, causing shockwaves across the country as it grieves the loss of several prominent citizens. Authorities are to declare a national day of mourning in the next few days.
