Rescue teams continued to search for survivors early Wednesday after the tragic collapse of the roof at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, which killed at least 98 people and left more than 150 injured.
The disaster occurred just after midnight on Tuesday during a live performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Perez, who tragically died in the collapse, according to his manager, Enrique Paulino.
“We are waiting for the children to reach an agreement for the funeral,” Paulino told AFP.
Search and recovery efforts involved over 370 rescue personnel, who combed through rubble made up of steel bars, bricks, and tin roofing. As of early Wednesday, the operation had shifted from rescue to body recovery, with the hope of finding more survivors fading.
Also among the deceased was Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and 2011 World Series winner with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was initially rescued alive but later died en route to the hospital, local media reported.
A tribute to Dotel, including a black-and-white image of the athlete and the Dominican flag, was projected at Citi Field in New York before the game between the New York Mets and Miami Marlins.
“Peace to his soul,” the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League posted on social media.
Panic, Desperation as Tragedy Strikes Jet Set Nightclub
Local reports estimated that between 500 to 1,000 people were inside the club when the structure gave way at approximately 12:44 am (0444 GMT). The venue, a staple of the Dominican nightlife scene for over 50 years, had a seating capacity of 700 and could hold about 1,000 standing guests.
Eyewitnesses described moments of terror as the roof collapsed following a sudden blackout.
Rubby Perez’s daughter, Zulinka, told reporters that she managed to escape. Her father, however, did not.
Also killed was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi municipality, confirmed by President Luis Abinader, who visited the scene and declared three days of national mourning.
“As long as there is hope for life, all authorities will be working to recover or rescue these people,” said Juan Manuel Mendez, Director of the Emergency Operations Center.
Eyewitness Accounts and Ongoing Search
“At one point, dirt started falling like dust into the drink on the table,” said Iris Pena, who escaped with her son.
“A stone fell and cracked the table where we were, and we got out… It was as if it had been a tsunami or an earthquake.”
Relatives gathered at local hospitals, many in tears, desperate for information.
“We are desperate,” said Regina del Rosa, whose sister was at the concert. “They are not giving us news, they are not telling us anything.”
Drone footage and helicopter images showed a large, gaping hole where the nightclub’s roof once stood. Cranes and heavy equipment are currently being used to remove larger debris, while rescue workers continue to dig through the wreckage.
Jet Set Nightclub Issues Statement
The club, through its Instagram page, stated that it has operated for over five decades, offering live shows every Monday. Its final post before the incident invited fans to “enjoy Rubby Perez’s greatest hits and dance in the country’s best nightclub.”
Following the collapse, the management stated that it is cooperating “fully and transparently” with authorities during the ongoing investigation.
Impact on Tourism and National Sentiment
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean nation that welcomed over 11 million visitors in 2024, according to the Tourism Ministry. Tourism accounts for around 15% of the country’s GDP, with music, nightlife, and cultural attractions being top draws.
Authorities have also issued an urgent call for blood donations as hospitals work around the clock to treat the injured.