Santo Domingo, April 10 (V7N) – A tragic roof collapse at a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic has left at least 184 people dead, with emergency crews still searching through the debris for any remaining survivors.
 
The disaster happened late Tuesday night at the Jet Set club in the capital city, Santo Domingo. The club was hosting a live performance by well-known merengue singer Rubby Pérez when the roof suddenly gave way, trapping many people inside.
 
Rescue teams have been working around the clock, but hopes of finding anyone alive are quickly fading. Authorities said the operation is now shifting from rescue to recovery.
 
Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed, was confirmed to have died in the tragedy. His manager, Enrique Paulino, told reporters that the collapse happened about an hour into the performance. A saxophonist from the group also died.
 
“The loss of life leaves us in a state of profound pain and dismay,” Jet Set said in a statement. “In this difficult moment, our prayers are with each of the affected families.”
 
The collapse has taken the lives of many public figures, including athletes, politicians, and performers. Among them was Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player, who died after being pulled from the rubble. Tony Blanco, another former MLB player, also died at the scene. Nelsy Cruz, a local government official and the sister of ex-MLB player Nelson Cruz, was also killed.
 
Eduardo Guarionex Estrella, the son of the country’s minister of public works and communications, was confirmed among the dead.
 
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred offered condolences, saying, “The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”
 
The total number of people inside the nightclub at the time of the collapse is still unknown. As of Thursday morning, at least 155 people were reported injured and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
 
Families have been gathering near the nightclub all week, waiting for updates about missing loved ones.
 
President Luis Abinader visited the site of the collapse and expressed deep sorrow for the tragedy. Juan Manuel Mendez, the head of the emergency operations center, said that no one had been rescued alive since late Tuesday night.
 
Presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa confirmed that efforts will now focus on recovering the remaining bodies.
 
Jet Set nightclub was a well-known venue in the capital, often visited by celebrities, athletes, and government officials. This tragic event has left the nation in mourning.
 
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