- A roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo killed 98 people.
- Victims include ex-MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and singer Rubby Pérez.
- Over 150 people were injured; rescue efforts are ongoing.
- The nightclub was hosting a merengue concert when the incident occurred.
- Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collapse.
Tragedy Strikes Santo Domingo Nightclub
A devastating roof collapse at the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has claimed the lives of at least 98 people and left over 150 injured. The incident occurred during a concert by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez in the early hours of Tuesday, plunging the venue into chaos and tragedy.
What Happened?
The collapse occurred around 1 a.m. during the performance of Rubby Pérez, a beloved figure in the Dominican music scene. Video footage from inside the club shows attendees enjoying the concert moments before the roof gave way. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise, followed by the structure crumbling, trapping hundreds of people under the debris.
Rescue teams, numbering around 400 personnel, have been working tirelessly to locate survivors. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE), expressed hope that more people could still be found alive beneath the rubble.
Prominent Victims Among the Dead
Among the victims were several notable figures, including former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel, who died en route to the hospital after being rescued. Dotel, 51, had a distinguished MLB career spanning 15 years, playing for teams such as the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers.
Rubby Pérez, the performer at the time of the collapse, was also confirmed dead by his manager, Enrique Paulino. Pérez’s daughter had earlier expressed hope that her father might be rescued, but these hopes were dashed as rescue efforts continued.
Another high-profile victim was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. The tragedy has deeply affected the Dominican Republic’s political and sports communities.
Jet Set Nightclub: A Cultural Icon
The Jet Set nightclub, established in 1973, has been a cornerstone of Santo Domingo’s nightlife for nearly five decades. Known for its “Jet Set Mondays,” the venue regularly hosted performances by local and international artists, making it a beloved cultural institution. The nightclub underwent renovations in 2010 and 2015 and remained a popular destination until the tragic incident.
Monday’s concert, featuring Rubby Pérez, had drawn a large crowd, including politicians, athletes, and other prominent figures. General admission tickets were priced at $32, while VIP tickets cost $40, reflecting the venue’s status as a premier entertainment spot.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
As of late Tuesday, rescue crews were still combing through the rubble in search of survivors. The scene outside the nightclub was one of anguish, with families and friends of the missing gathering to await news of their loved ones. The National Institute of Forensic Pathology has been assisting in identifying the deceased.
Authorities have not yet shifted to a recovery phase, as the focus remains on finding survivors. President Luis Abinader has expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full government support for the rescue and investigation efforts.
Unanswered Questions
The cause of the roof collapse remains unknown. Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos stated that while an investigation is underway, authorities are prioritizing rescue operations over determining the structural failure’s cause. The nightclub had undergone renovations in recent years, and there were no immediate indications of structural issues prior to the incident.
Speculation has arisen about possible contributing factors, including overcrowding or maintenance lapses, but officials have refrained from making any definitive statements. An in-depth investigation is expected to shed light on the tragedy in the coming weeks.
The Dominican Republic is reeling from the loss of so many lives in a single incident. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the country’s vibrant cultural scene and highlighted the need for stringent safety measures in public venues. As rescue efforts continue, the nation stands united in grief and determination to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.
Sources: Primary Source, AP