A devastating roof collapse on Tuesday at a popular nightclub in the capital of the Dominican Republic has now claimed the lives of at least 124 people, authorities reported on Wednesday, as the search for survivors takes an increasingly grim turn.
Throughout Wednesday night, families anxiously waited outside the wreckage of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, seeking information about their missing loved ones and sharing photographs with the police.
More than 150 individuals were rescued from the debris on Tuesday. However, since that afternoon, authorities have not recovered any living individuals from the rubble.
Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the country’s emergency operations center, stated that rescue workers anticipate needing an additional 24 to 36 hours to complete their search efforts. Emergency crews have deployed heavy machinery to expedite the recovery process.
Rescue teams continue working into the night at the site of the collapsed Jet Set nightclub, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on April 8, 2025. — Reuters
The tragedy unfolded during a concert by the renowned Dominican merengue singer Rubby Perez. The event, which had attracted politicians, athletes, and other prominent figures, turned into a nightmare after midnight when the roof suddenly gave way.
Perez was among those who perished. His body was recovered on Wednesday morning.
Former Major League Baseball players, pitcher Octavio Dotel and slugger Tony Blanco, were also among the fatalities.
Another victim identified was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northern Monte Cristi province, according to President Luis Abinader. Cruz was the sister of former MLB player Nelson Cruz, a seven-time All-Star.
The son of the public works and communications minister also lost his life in the disaster.
