Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — At least 58 people are confirmed dead and 160 others injured after a roof collapse at the iconic Jet Set nightclub.
The disaster struck during a merengue concert attended by several prominent figures, including politicians, athletes, and celebrities.
Authorities immediately began combing through the wreckage for survivors. Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the country’s Center of Emergency Operations, said rescue workers would not rest until they were sure no one remained trapped under the rubble. “We presume that many of them are still alive,” Méndez said, “and that is why the authorities here will not give up.”
Hours after the collapse, the scene resembled a war zone. Firefighters used power tools to cut through concrete, pried up wreckage with makeshift wooden planks, and listened for signs of life.
The one-story structure pancaked down onto patrons shortly after midnight, creating a chaotic and deadly environment.
The confirmed death toll includes Nelsy Cruz, a local government official and sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz. According to First Lady Raquel Abinader, Cruz called the president moments after the collapse, reporting she was trapped. Tragically, she later died at the hospital.
President Abinader wrote on X