In a devastating turn of events early Tuesday morning, the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a packed merengue concert, claiming at least 44 lives and injuring over 160 others, according to local authorities.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts Amid the Rubble
Rescue teams, including firefighters and civil defense workers, are working around the clock to locate potential survivors trapped beneath the debris. Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Center for Emergency Operations, emphasized the urgency of the situation:
“We firmly believe there are still people alive under the rubble, and we won’t stop until every person is accounted for.”
Nearly 12 hours after the roof gave way, emergency crews continued to pull survivors from the wreckage, using sawed planks of wood to lift heavy debris while drills echoed through the site.
High-Profile Victims and Witness Accounts
Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB legend Nelson Cruz. First Lady Raquel Arbaje shared through tears that Nelsy had managed to call President Luis Abinader moments after the collapse, telling him she was trapped. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries later at the hospital.
Also injured in the collapse were former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, legislator Bray Vargas, and merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing on stage when the disaster struck. Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, bloodstained and visibly shaken, described the harrowing moments:
“It happened so fast. I dove into a corner for cover. At first, I thought it was an earthquake.”
Tragically, the band’s saxophonist did not survive the collapse.
Cause of Collapse Remains Under Investigation
As of now, the exact cause of the structural failure remains unknown. The owners of Jet Set released a statement expressing their deep sorrow and confirming their full cooperation with the investigation:
“The loss of so many lives leaves us heartbroken and profoundly dismayed.”
Heartbreak and Hope Among Families
Outside the nightclub, anguished families waited for any news. Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son was at the concert, clung to hope:
“We’re holding on only to God,” he said, pacing outside the wreckage.
Nearby, Massiel Cuevas, godmother to 22-year-old Darlenys Batista, remained resolute:
“I know she’s still inside. I’m waiting for her,” she said, refusing to give up hope.
National Response and Presidential Visit
President Luis Abinader swiftly responded, personally visiting the scene and offering comfort to families. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), he assured the public:
“We deeply regret the tragedy at Jet Set. Rescue agencies are working tirelessly, and we are monitoring the situation closely.”
Holding back tears, Abinader hugged grieving relatives and offered words of hope:
“We have faith in God that we will rescue more people alive.”
Officials on site repeatedly urged the gathering crowds to clear paths for ambulances and rescue teams. At nearby hospitals, lists of survivors were read aloud as anxious families clung to every name.
