Heartbreaking Tragedy: 231 Lives Lost in Jet Set Nightclub Collapse, Dominican Republic
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Tragic Disco Collapse in Santo Domingo Claims Over a Hundred Lives - Disco roof catastrophe in Santo Domingo leaves over 90 fatalities
The aftermath of a devastating incident at a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic has left a staggering 231 lives lost and over 200 injured. The tragedy occurred at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo early Wednesday morning. The cause of the disaster remains under investigation, although it appears the roof may have collapsed due to fire-weakened concrete combined with heavy machinery on the rooftop, such as large air conditioners, electric generators, stage lighting, and loudspeakers.
"We hold out hope for finding survivors," stated Juan Manuel Méndez, head of emergency services. However, since Tuesday afternoon, only bodies have been recovered. Initial estimates suggest that as many as 1,000 people were in the venue at the time of the collapse. The health authority urged citizens to donate blood to help those injured.
Over 300 rescue workers searched through the wreckage using thermal imaging cameras and cranes to lift the roof's structure. Relatives of the victims anxiously waited outside for news.
Merengue sensation and baseball star among the victims
According to the latest reports, the incident happened around 12:44 a.m. local time during a concert by Rubby Pérez, a prominent merengue singer, known as the "high voice of Merengue." Former MLB player Octavio Dotel (51) was also among the victims. The popular artist's whereabouts are currently unknown, with his manager reporting his death in the catastrophe, although authorities have yet to confirm this.
The owner of the nightclub, Antonio Espaillat, issued a heartfelt statement, expressing condolences to the families and stating: "We share your pain."
Governor Nelsy Cruz, of Montecristi province, was also among the casualties. Her brother, baseball star Nelson Cruz, paid tribute to her on Instagram, remembering her dedication to her citizens with love and determination.
President Luis Abinader visited the disaster site and expressed his deepest condolences on the news platform X: "All rescue teams are providing necessary support and working tirelessly to recover. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected." The government has declared a three-day national mourning period.
The Dominican Republic, a well-known tourist destination in the Caribbean, attracting over eleven million visitors last year, is now grappling with this unimaginable tragedy.
- Tragedy
- Collapse
- Santo Domingo
- Catastrophe
- Nightclub
- Dominican Republic
- Juan Manuel Mendez
- News
- Music
[1] Civil Engineers and Architects Point to Inadequate Roof Support Contributing to Failure [2] Extensive Search and Rescue Efforts Explicated in Detail [3] Identification of Victims employs Biometric Systems for Forensic Identification [4] Government Establishes Commission of National and International Experts for Structural and Legal Inquiry
- Despite the hope from Juan Manuel Méndez, head of emergency services, no survivors have been found as of Tuesday afternoon after the catastrophic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
- The Commission, in light of the recent tragedy, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the presence of stage lighting and loudspeakers, potentially containing these elements, at the collapsed nightclub in Santo Domingo.
- At the news conference, President Luis Abinader confirmed the death of Governor Nelsy Cruz, one of the victims in the catastrophe at Jet Set nightclub, while also expressing his condolences and support for the families affected by the disaster.
