At least 58 people died and 160 others were injured when a roof collapsed at an iconic nightclub in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo early Tuesday. The collapse occurred during a merengue concert attended by politicians, athletes, and other prominent figures.
Rescue crews continued to search for potential survivors trapped under the rubble. Director Juan Manuel Méndez said authorities would not give up until all survivors were found. Nearly 12 hours after the incident, rescue teams were still pulling out survivors from the debris.
Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of Major League Baseball player Nelson Cruz. Officials also confirmed the deaths of MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed.
The cause of the collapse is still unknown, with authorities continuing to investigate. The Jet Set nightclub has issued a statement expressing its cooperation with authorities and condemning the loss of human life.
As the search for survivors continues, many are anxiously waiting outside the club, including Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert but did not return home. His words expressed a sense of hope and faith that loved ones would be pulled out alive.
President Luis Abinader has written on X that all rescue agencies are working tirelessly to help those affected by the tragedy. He visited the scene, hugging those searching for friends and family, and expressing his faith in God that more survivors will be found alive.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/dominican-republic-roof-collapse-discotheque-518f9e7b7b212ce90c430139b82c4a18