Horror at the Jet Set: 58 Dead and Counting in Nightclub Collapse in the Dominican Republic
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Deadly Nightclub Tragedy in Dominican Republic Claims 58 Lives - Nightclub tragedy in Dominican Republic claims at least 58 lives overnight
The roof of a bustling Santo Domingo nightclub, the Jet Set, came crashing down during a concert, taking the lives of at least 58 people and injuring over 150. As rescue workers tirelessly search through the wreckage, the death toll might still rise. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, and the cause remains a mystery.
Merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing when disaster struck, with reports suggesting he's among the injured. His daughter Zulinka confirmed this, but added that he was still trapped amidst the rubble hours after the incident.
"It felt like an earthquake," shared the singer's manager, Enrique Paulino. "We were buried under debris. One of our saxophonists didn't make it," Paulino lamented. Witnesses reported feeling plaster and dust on their drinks before a sudden, catastrophic impact.
The exact number of partygoers present at the time of the accident remains undisclosed, but estimates range from 500 to 1000 guests.
While rescue efforts continue, hopes for survival remain. Stations like SIN report that many donors have offered blood for the injured. Families of the missing and injured are desperate for news and crowd nearby hospitals. One such relative, Regina del Rosa, stated, "They’re not telling us anything."
Authorities, aided by advanced equipment such as heat cameras, aim to find any survivors still trapped. As of now, more than 300 search and rescue personnel are on the scene, diligently working.
After the accident, the club released a statement, vowing to cooperate fully with authorities in aid of the victims and to unravel the events that led to the collapse. President Luis Abinader expressed his condolences, promising ongoing support for rescue operations.
Following the disaster, the Dominican Republic, a much-loved vacation destination known for its beaches and lively nightlife, has faced questions regarding construction standards. Reports have surfaced that the Jet Set nightclub had undergone renovations and had experienced a fire in 2023 due to a lightning strike. Civil engineers and architects suggest that the roof was poorly supported, potentially contributing to its collapse[1][2].
An ongoing investigation, with both local and international experts, seeks to determine the exact cause of the structural failure[3]. A recent lawsuit against the club's owners and the government raises concerns about the oversight of private construction projects in the Dominican Republic[3].
- Dominican Republic
- Nightlife Disaster
- Collapse Investigation
- Santo Domingo Tragedy
- Jet Set Nightclub
[1] Potential Building Deficiencies May Have Led to Disastrous Collapse at Jet Set Nightclub[2] Ongoing Inquiry into Jet Set Nightclub's Renovations and Fire Incident[3] Investigation Launched into Jet Set Nightclub Collapse and Lack of Construction Oversight in Dominican Republic
- The community is calling for a review of the policy regarding private construction projects in the Dominican Republic, following concerns raised by the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub.
- In light of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, survivors are receiving vocational training to support themselves during their recovery process.
- As the investigation into the Jet Set nightclub collapse continues, Méndez, the club's lead architect, has refused to comment on thestructural integrity of buildings he designed, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
