A nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, April 8, has killed at least 18 people and injured approximately 120 others. A local governor is among the dead, while two renowned local celebrities, a singer and a former MLB player, were pulled from the rubble.
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According to the New York Post, the incident took place at the Jet Set nightclub located in Santo Domingo. Famous Dominican singer Rubby Pérez was performing on the nightclub's stage when the roof collapsed early Tuesday, as per local authorities.
Following rescue efforts, at least 18 people were found dead, and 120 people were injured and pulled from the rubble. Reportedly, Montecristi Governor Nelsy Cruz died during the roof collapse.
Rubby Pérez, who has charted twice in Billboard, survived the incident and was pulled from the rubble. However, according to the Daily Mail, he suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a local hospital alongside the other 120 injured individuals.
Pérez's manager, Enrique Paulino, spoke with reporters at the scene and confirmed that, unfortunately, Perez's saxophonist was crushed to death. As per the Post, Paulino thought that an earthquake had triggered the incident. "It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner," Paulino said.
The Daily Mail reports that former Major League Baseball pitcher, Octavio Dotel, was present at the venue at the time of the roof collapse. Fortunately, he survived and was also pulled from the rubble.
Rescue Effort Continue
According to Juan Manuel Méndez, the local Center of Emergency Operations Director, rescue efforts continue as they believe many are still alive below the debris.
"We presume that many of them are still alive," Méndez said. "That is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble."
Local authorities addressed the incident. President Luis Abinader, who traveled to the scene, stated that "all relief agencies" are working in the rescue efforts.
"We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred," Abinader wrote on X. "Our prayers are with the affected families."
Similarly, Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó, addressed the incident on X.
"Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub," Mejía de Garrigó wrote. "My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones."
The cause of the roof collapse is currently unknown.
