In Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, a tragedy struck as the roof of a well-known nightclub suddenly gave way during a merengue concert, resulting in an enormous loss of life and numerous injuries. The catastrophic event claimed the lives of at least 98 individuals and left 160 others injured, with a crowd that included political figures and athletes.
Crew members are relentlessly continuing their search for possible survivors amidst the wreckage of the Jet Set nightclub. This venue, known for its single-story layout, became the focus of a critical rescue operation led by Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Center of Emergency Operations.
“The debris continues to be cleared as we seek out those who may yet be alive,” Méndez stated, maintaining hope that more survivors might be found amidst the chaos.
Even as evening fell, almost 12 hours after the roof collapse, rescue workers were actively pulling survivors from under the wreckage, urging quiet to detect even the faintest calls for help. Firefighters tirelessly removed large chunks of concrete, and the sound of drills attempting to penetrate the debris resounded in the air as they worked.
The focus of rescue efforts centered around three specific areas of the nightclub. “There are indications of life,” Méndez noted, as efforts persisted.
Tragically, Nelsy Cruz, a provincial governor and sibling of acclaimed baseball player Nelson Cruz, was among the deceased. She had reached out to President Luis Abinader early in the morning, informing him about her precarious state following the collapse, said first lady Raquel Abraje. Despite her plea for help, she succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. “This is a tragedy of monumental proportions,” expressed Abraje, visibly moved.
The Dominican Republic’s Professional Baseball League announced the passing of former MLB star Octavio Dotel, a victim of this tragic event. Pulled from the rubble earlier, Dotel was later declared dead at a hospital. Another notable fatality was Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, according to league spokesperson Satosky Terrero.
Family members and friends, hopeful for the safety of their loved ones, convened outside the affected nightclub late into Tuesday night, singing solemn songs accompanied by a guitar.
The authorities confirmed that at least 160 individuals suffered injuries, including a national lawmaker named Bray Vargas. Confusions surrounded the status of Rubby Pérez, a merengue singer performing during the disaster. While his relatives initially asserted his rescue, later reports indicated searches for him were ongoing.
Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager, narrated the ordeal with a blood-stained shirt, recalling that the concert began around midnight, with the subsequent roof collapse claiming the life of their saxophonist.
“The event unfurled in a matter of moments. I managed to find shelter in a corner,” he said, initially mistaking the chaos for an earthquake.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, and the Jet Set club’s inspection history remains unclear. In a statement, the club expressed willingness to assist authorities, mentioning the owner, Antonio Espaillat, was out of the country but has since returned. “The enormity of this loss is unfathomable,” he lamented.
Both the Ministry of Public Works and the mayor’s office have yet to provide clarity on inspections or safety protocols, with inquiries remaining unanswered.
Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos emphasized the focus on rescue efforts despite public demand for an explanation of the incident. Close to the site, a temporary morgue was set up to manage the situation, while blood donations flowed from over 120 willing participants at various centers.
Manuel Olivo Ortiz, anxiously waiting news of his son, who had attended the ill-fated concert, conveyed a resilient hope among those gathered. “Our belief is our only solace,” he shared emotionally.
Massiel Cuevas eagerly awaited news of her goddaughter, 22-year-old Darlenys Batista, expressing unwavering faith in her survival. “I sense her presence within the ruins,” she said, steadfast in her hope.
President Abinader offered public condolences, ensuring the nation that agencies were working resolutely to aid victims of this misfortune. “Since its occurrence, our close attention to this disaster hasn’t wavered,” he stated, expressing his sentiments online.
The president visited the devastated site, offering consolation to those searching for missing friends and loved ones, his presence bringing some shared moments of solace. “With continued search efforts, we retain hope for further successful rescues,” he commented.
Efforts to maintain order amidst the chaos included calling for cooperation as ambulances and rescue teams maneuvered within the throng of anxious relatives and friends.
At a local hospital, officials read out names of survivors to waiting crowds, as individuals clung desperately to the hope of hearing a familiar name. Simultaneously, people sought closure at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, which showcased photos of victims for identification.
Even as the event continued to unfold, the exhaustive and somber efforts of the rescue teams reflected a national struggle to grapple with the tragedy that befell the Jet Set nightclub on that fateful night.