On Tuesday (April 8), local time in the Dominican Republic, the roof of a nightclub in the capital city of Santo Domingo collapsed, resulting in at least 44 fatalities, including a provincial governor, with an additional 160 people injured.
Authorities stated that the nightclub was hosting a music concert at the time of the incident, with attendees including politicians, athletes, and other individuals.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations in the Dominican Republic, initially reported from the scene that the accident had resulted in at least 15 deaths and 101 individuals being transported to medical centers.
After nearly 12 hours since the roof collapse onto patrons at the nightclub named “Jet Set,” which is located near the coast of Santo Domingo, rescue teams are still working tirelessly to extract survivors from the rubble.
The nightclub is a landmark establishment in Santo Domingo, with only one story in height.
The cause of the roof collapse remains unclear.
Méndez stated earlier that afternoon that the confirmed death toll had risen to 44 individuals. Officials had previously reported at least 160 people being injured.
Méndez did not disclose the total number of individuals believed to have been inside the nightclub at the time.
President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic expressed his condolences, mentioning the loss of Nelsy Cruz, the Governor of Monte Cristi province in the northern part of the country, who tragically passed away despite rescue efforts at the hospital.
“We deeply mourn this tragedy,” Abinader wrote on social media, adding that authorities are tirelessly conducting rescue operations, stating, “Our prayers are with the affected families.”
According to officials, among the injured are former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, congressman Bray Vargas, and singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time of the roof collapse.
(Reference from the Associated Press)