Tragic Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic Kills 79, Over 150 Injured
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – At least 79 people died and more than 155 were hospitalized after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed early Tuesday morning, officials confirmed. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors in the rubble, with emergency workers reporting hearing voices from beneath the wreckage. Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS 2025
Desperate Search for Survivors
Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Center of Emergency Operations, said crews are prioritizing three areas where sounds have been detected. Firefighters and specialized teams with search dogs are combing through debris, using drills and wooden planks to lift heavy concrete slabs. “We presume many are still alive,” Méndez said, vowing to continue efforts until every victim is recovered.
High-Profile Victims Identified
Among the dead are Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz, and Octavio Dotel, a retired World Series-winning pitcher who played for multiple teams, including the Yankees and Cardinals. Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof caved in, also perished. His manager, Enrique Paulino, described the collapse as sudden, saying, “I thought it was an earthquake.” . Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos
The disaster struck around 1 a.m., just an hour after Pérez’s concert began. Survivors recounted screams and panic as the structure gave way. Outside hospitals, families anxiously awaited news, with officials reading names of survivors aloud. Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son was at the club, said, “We’re holding on only to God.”
Cause Still Unknown
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the collapse. The nightclub released a statement expressing “profound pain” and pledging full cooperation with investigations. President Luis Abinader visited the scene, hugging grieving families and vowing, “We have faith more will be rescued alive.”
Nation in Mourning
The tragedy has shaken the Dominican Republic, with officials declaring three days of national mourning. As rescue efforts stretch into a second day, hope persists—but the death toll is expected to rise. source: World Info Organization
