A tragic roof collapse at a nightclub in Santo Domingo has left at least 13 people dead and many others injured.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday during a live concert by popular merengue artist Rubby Pérez at the Jet Set discotheque, one of the capital’s most well-known nightlife spots.
Emergency teams have been working around the clock to rescue people trapped beneath the rubble. Dozens have already been pulled out, some with serious injuries, and rescue workers are continuing to search the debris in the hope of finding more survivors.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the roof to give way. The collapse happened suddenly during the packed performance, triggering panic and chaos as concertgoers tried to escape the falling structure.
President Luis Abinader has offered his sympathies to the families of the victims and pledged government support during the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE), said ambulances have made nearly 100 trips to nearby hospitals, often carrying more than one injured person per trip. While the death toll currently stands at 13, the number could rise as more people are recovered from the scene.
Méndez said they remain hopeful that some of those still trapped may be alive. Emergency crews continue to dig through the wreckage with care, hoping to avoid further injury to those still buried.
As the investigation into the cause of the collapse begins, the focus remains on saving lives and supporting the injured. Families have gathered near the nightclub, waiting anxiously for news about their loved ones.