At least 18 people died, and more than 120 suffered injuries after a nightclub roof collapsed early Tuesday (April 8). The incident happened in Santo Domingo, which is the capital of the Dominican Republic. Crews are on the ground searching for potential survivors in the rubble at Jet Set.
Details About Dominican Republic Incident & Victims
According to the Associated Press, Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, spoke about the rescue efforts. It is not immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” Méndez said.
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi, was among the victims trapped by the collapsed nightclub roof. Merengue singer Rubby Pérez was among the injured. Officials said the artist was performing when the roof caved in. His manager, Enrique Paulino, was on the scene with blood spattered on his shirt. Paulino told reporters that the concert began shortly before midnight. Almost an hour later, the roof collapsed, killing the group’s saxophonist.
“It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” Paulino said, adding that he initially thought it was an earthquake.
President Of Caribbean Island Speaks Out
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader wrote on X that all rescue agencies are “working tirelessly” to help those affected.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” President Abinader wrote.
President Abinader arrived at the Jet Set scene and hugged those looking for friends and family. Some loved ones had tears streaming down their faces. The president did not speak to reporters.
Meanwhile, an official with a megaphone stood outside the club imploring the large crowd that had gathered to search for friends and relatives to give ambulances space. “You have to cooperate with authorities, please,” the official reportedly said. “We are removing people.”
An official was also on-site at a hospital where emergency personnel brought the injured people. The official reportedly stood outside reading aloud the names of survivors as a crowd gathered around her and yelled out the names of their loved ones.
This is a breaking story. Check back for additional details.
Associated Press staff Martín Adames Alcántara and Dánica Coto contributed to this report.
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