Jet Set nightclub collapse during a live merengue concert killed 98 and injured over 150 as the roof caved in without warning. The cause of the collapse is still being looked into.
What We Currently Know
Around one in the morning, while famous merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing, the structure collapsed. As concrete collapsed and shouts erupted, witnesses and local media reported anarchy. Through Tuesday morning, first responders raced to the area and began removing people from the debris.
High-Profile Deaths Confirmed
- Among the deceased were:
- Octavio Dotel, former MLB pitcher and World Series champion
- Tony Blanco, former Nationals left fielder
- Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB player Nelson Cruz
- Authorities are still working to confirm the fate of Rubby Pérez, with conflicting reports from his manager and emergency responders.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Maj. Gen. Juan Manuel Méndez stated that teams are still working around the clock. “We presume that many people are still alive under the rubble,” he said. President Luis Abinader has declared three national days of mourning.
Jet Set nightclub collapse rescue teams saved over 138 people, though several remain missing in the ongoing search. Images show collapsed cement walls and debris scattered across the nightclub.
Public Leaders Lament the Death International celebrities including Juan Luis Guerra, Daddy Yankee, and Marc Anthony sent condolence and support messages. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized baseball’s strong relationship with the Dominican Republic in a heartfelt dedication.
Cultural and political leaders, including Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo and Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó, also expressed their condolences, calling the occurrence a national tragedy.
Source: NBC News
