PEOPLE
Merengue Concert Turns to Disaster as Nightclub Roof Collapses in Dominican Republic
At least 98 people were killed and 160 injured when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a merengue concert late Monday night.
The incident occurred during a well-attended event, with politicians, celebrities, and athletes present. Among the deceased were Montecristi Governor Nelsy Cruz, former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and the group’s saxophonist.
Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed, was initially believed to have survived. However, authorities later confirmed he was among the deceased.
Rescue crews worked tirelessly, searching for survivors under the rubble while faint cries were still being heard. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, and the nightclub stated it is cooperating with authorities.
In response to the tragedy, President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning. The sports community mourned the loss of Dotel, a revered figure in Dominican baseball who once won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals.