In the early hours of Tuesday, chaos erupted when the roof of the popular venue caved in during a concert by renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who was among those who tragically lost their lives. Video footage capturing the harrowing moments before the collapse has raised distressing questions, while families of the victims await news of their loved ones, clinging to hope amidst unspeakable despair.
Rescue workers diligently searched through the wreckage in the wake of the incident, which occurred shortly before 1:00 AM local time, leaving at least 113 people dead and more than 150 others injured. The Jet Set club, located in the capital, was hosting a concert attended by an estimated 500 to 1,000 individuals, including high-profile guests such as former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel and a provincial governor.
In harrowing video footage confirmed by the BBC, guests can be seen enjoying the concert and moments before the disaster struck, with one attendee capturing the moment of impact. Following the devastation, emergency teams have taken desperate measures, including demolishing a wall to reach those trapped beneath the debris.
Among those who survived was Zulinka, the daughter of Rubby Pérez. She recounted her father's heroic attempts to communicate with rescuers even after becoming trapped. Her husband shielded her during the collapse, allowing her to escape, but despite his survival, Pérez tragically died before help could reach him.
Another survivor, Nelsy Cruz, initially raised the alarm from the rubble by calling the president for assistance but succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. The community mourns the loss of not only beloved figures in entertainment and sports but also the innocent lives lost that fateful night.
The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation as safety concerns are raised about the club, once a cinema now transformed into a nightlife venue. President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning as the nation comes to terms with this catastrophic event.
Rescue workers diligently searched through the wreckage in the wake of the incident, which occurred shortly before 1:00 AM local time, leaving at least 113 people dead and more than 150 others injured. The Jet Set club, located in the capital, was hosting a concert attended by an estimated 500 to 1,000 individuals, including high-profile guests such as former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel and a provincial governor.
In harrowing video footage confirmed by the BBC, guests can be seen enjoying the concert and moments before the disaster struck, with one attendee capturing the moment of impact. Following the devastation, emergency teams have taken desperate measures, including demolishing a wall to reach those trapped beneath the debris.
Among those who survived was Zulinka, the daughter of Rubby Pérez. She recounted her father's heroic attempts to communicate with rescuers even after becoming trapped. Her husband shielded her during the collapse, allowing her to escape, but despite his survival, Pérez tragically died before help could reach him.
Another survivor, Nelsy Cruz, initially raised the alarm from the rubble by calling the president for assistance but succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. The community mourns the loss of not only beloved figures in entertainment and sports but also the innocent lives lost that fateful night.
The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation as safety concerns are raised about the club, once a cinema now transformed into a nightlife venue. President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning as the nation comes to terms with this catastrophic event.
