Dominican nightclub roof collapses during live performance, killing 79: What we know so far

At least 79 individuals had been killed and over 160 injured within the roof collapse of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The incident occurred during a packed merengue live performance within the early hours of Tuesday.
The common venue was internet hosting tons of, together with high athletes, politicians, and artists. Rescue operations are ongoing as crews seek for survivors. Among the lifeless are notable public figures, together with former MLB stars, reported Associated Press.
What occurred
The collapse occurred round 12:44 am native time. Witnesses described sudden chaos because the roof gave means, sending tons of scrambling for security.
Videos shared on social media present elements of the ceiling beginning to fall moments earlier than the complete collapse. Rescue groups rushed to the scene and labored for hours, pulling survivors from below heavy rubble.
Some had been nonetheless being discovered practically 12 hours later.
Who are the victims?
The lifeless embody well-known names in Dominican public life. Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who performed for 13 groups and received a World Series, died within the collapse. He was 51. His dying was confirmed after earlier reviews had mentioned he was rescued.
Tony Blanco, one other skilled baseball participant who performed in Japan and the US, additionally misplaced his life. Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of former MLB participant Nelson Cruz, was additionally killed.
Among the injured is Bray Vargas, a nationwide lawmaker. Rubby Pérez, the merengue singer performing that night time, continues to be unaccounted for. His saxophonist was confirmed lifeless.

Cause unknown
Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos advised native TV channel CDN that though the general public is keen to grasp what triggered the collapse, the precedence proper now could be to rescue these nonetheless trapped below the rubble.The membership launched an announcement saying it’s cooperating absolutely with the authorities. It additionally talked about that the proprietor, Antonio Espaillat, was overseas on the time of the incident and returned late on Tuesday.
President Luis Abinader shared on social media platform X that each one rescue groups are working continuous to assist the victims. “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” he posted.