Dozens dead after Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse

Dominican Republic authorities said at least 27 people were killed and over 100 more were injured in Santo Domingo when the Jet-Set nightclub roof collapsed early Tuesday morning. Nearly 140 people were pulled from the rubble and transported to hospitals, according to a Tuesday morning update from the government. The collapse occurred while merengue singer Rubby Pérez and his band performed on stage. Footage showed concert goers slowly stepping back from the dancefloor moments before a section of the roof collapsed. Additional footage showed the collapse extending to the performers onstage. Graphic footage of survivors fleeing the rubble has also begun circulating online.

Producer Evelio Herrera shared that emergency workers pulled Pérez from the rubble alive and that his condition has stabilized. Retired major league baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel remained missing under the rubble, Herrera said in an earlier post. Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo confirmed that the Montecristi Province Gov. Nelsy Cruz also died in the collapse. Dominican Port Authority Director Jean Luis Rodriguez also mourned Cruz’s death.

What caused the roof to collapse? Authorities have not addressed what triggered the collapse. Footage after the collapse showed the venue completely exposed and covered in rubble and building materials. All emergency agencies are working tirelessly to continue rescuing survivors, according to President Luis Abinader.