At least 58 people were killed and 160 injured after the roof of a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed, with rescue teams still searching for survivors. Among the dead was a provincial governor, while several VIPs were also affected.
The incident occurred during a packed merengue concert at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, where 500 to 1,000 people were reportedly present. Emergency crews worked through the night to locate survivors beneath the rubble.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, expressed hope that many victims could still be alive, vowing to continue rescue efforts. Among the deceased were Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montechristi, and former MLB player Octavio Dotel. Legislator Bray Vargas and singer Rubby Perez, who was performing, were injured.
Witnesses described the collapse as sudden, with one survivor mistaking it for an earthquake. Dominican President Luis Abinader assured that all relief agencies were working tirelessly, offering condolences to affected families. Visiting the scene, he emphasized that saving lives remained the top priority.
