The number of fatalities from a roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic has climbed to 44, according to officials, as search and rescue operations for survivors continue amid the debris.
“We have preliminary data indicating 44 fatalities thus far. Efforts are ongoing,” stated Juan Manuel Mendez, the director of the Emergency Operations Center, noting that over 100 individuals have been injured.
Authorities reported that around 400 rescue personnel were deployed at the Jet Set nightclub in the capital, Santo Domingo, with numerous ambulances prepared for emergencies.
Many people gathered at the site, anxiously seeking updates on their missing relatives, including the well-known Dominican merengue artist Rubby Perez.
Local news indicated that between 500 and 1,000 patrons were present in the club at the time of the incident.
“It happened all of a sudden. I thought there was an earthquake, so I dropped to the ground and shielded my head,” recounted Enrique Paulino, Mr. Perez’s manager.
Members of the National Police stood guard outside the Jet Set nightclub following the roof’s collapse.
“One of our saxophonists died. We tried to reach the area where Rubby was, but it was obstructed by debris,” he added.
Zulinka, Mr. Perez’s daughter, told reporters that she had escaped the collapse but had no information about her father’s whereabouts.
“I feel hopeless. I speak out because I know people care about him… Up to now, I was informed he was inside the nightclub. I don’t know if he’s in an ambulance, as I’m not allowed to go in,” she shared with the CDN television network.
Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi municipality, who passed away from her injuries in a hospital, as confirmed by President Luis Abinader.
Mr. Mendez reported that ambulances had made 134 trips to hospitals, translating to approximately 150 or 160 patients.
‘A Glimmer of Hope’
He mentioned that rescuers could hear cries for help from within the rubble.
“While there is still hope for survival, all authorities will continue their efforts to rescue these individuals,” he affirmed.
Numerous family members rushed to hospitals seeking information.
“We are in despair,” said Regina del Rosa, whose sister attended the concert, to the Dominican channel SIN.
“They aren’t providing any updates, and we don’t have any information.”
Emergency services were actively present at the scene of the incident in Santo Domingo.
Local news outlets shared images of a construction crane at the site as workers in hard hats sifted through the debris.
“We are focused on rescuing all individuals we can save alive while also recovering those who have perished along the way.
“However, our primary focus has been on individuals we can potentially rescue alive as we hear their pleas for help,” Mr. Mendez elaborated on the ongoing operation.
He highlighted that “multiple institutions part of the national emergency center” were working diligently to assist those in need.
The initial death toll was reported as 15, later increased to 18.
Mr. Abinader stated on X that the government had been monitoring the situation closely since it began, eventually coming to the scene himself.
“Our main goal is to save lives… We are profoundly impacted by this tragedy,” he expressed upon arrival.
“All relief organizations are providing essential assistance and are tirelessly engaged in rescue operations,” the president added.
The Jet Set club’s Instagram page noted that it has been operating for over 50 years, featuring shows on Mondays until dawn.
Its latest post advertised Monday’s performance by Mr. Perez, encouraging fans to “enjoy his greatest hits and dance in the best nightclub in the country.”
