Press Agency
No fewer than124 lives perished when a popular nightclub collapsed in the capital of the Dominican Republic, authorities said on Wednesday, as the search for survivors turns increasingly grim.
The legendary Jet Set club in Santo Domingo was packed with musicians, professional athletes and government officials when dust began falling from the ceiling into people’s drinks early Tuesday.
Minutes later, the entire roof collapsed. Concrete slabs killed some instantly and trapped dozens of others on a dancefloor where hundreds had been dancing to a lively merengue concert. In the minutes that followed, the country’s 911 system received more than 100 calls, many from people buried under rubble.
Also read
- So Far, Migrant Death Toll Hits 32,629 In 5 Years
- Boat mishap: Death toll in River Niger rises to 22
- Death of five disheartens Gov Otti, Catholic Church in Abia
Throughout the night on Wednesday, families waited outside the wreckage of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, anxious for information about their missing relatives and sharing photos with police.
More than 150 people were rescued from the rubble on Tuesday. Since that afternoon, however, authorities have not pulled out any survivors.
Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the country’s emergency operations center, said rescue workers expected to need another 24 to 36 hours to complete their search. Emergency crews deployed heavy machinery to expedite recovery efforts.
The Victims
The tragedy unfolded during a concert by popular Dominican merengue singer Rubby Perez. The event, which had drawn politicians, athletes and other prominent figures, turned into a nightmare after midnight as the roof suddenly collapsed.
Perez was one of the victims. His body was recovered on Wednesday morning.
Pitcher Octavio Dotel and slugger Tony Blanco, both former Major League Baseball players, were also killed.
Another victim was Nelsy Cruz, governor of the northern Monte Cristi province, President Luis Abinader said. Cruz was the sister of former MLB player Nelson Cruz, a seven-time All-Star.
The son of the public works and communications minister also died in the disaster.
