Authorities are continuing to search through the rubble at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which saw mass casualties and injuries after its roof collapsed during an event in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8.
The incident occurred within the hour after midnight, according to Associated Press. Among those who were present, at least 27 attendees have died, and more than 160 have been injured or hospitalized.
Montecristi governor Nelsy Cruz was reportedly killed, as was the saxophonist who performed on stage with merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Pérez himself sustained injuries, according to his manager, Enrique Paulino. Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel was also injured as well.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations. Ambulances are traveling between the nightclub site and the local hospital as authorities work to uncover more concertgoers.
Paulino noted that he initially thought the rumble was an incoming earthquake. In a video from the event uploaded to social media, a man can be seen pointing at the ceiling and noting that something had just fallen over the crowd. “It happened so quickly,” Paulino told local reporters. “I managed to throw myself into a corner.”
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub,” President Luis Abinader wrote on X. “We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Dominican politician and personality Bray Vargas was not in attendance, but accompanied friends to the hospital after visiting the site. “DO NOT spread the images of the tragedy; it is very disturbing,” he wrote on Instagram. “Do it out of respect for families, victims and all those sensitive people who are on the networks. I can’t erase those moments of screaming, despair and anguish from my mind.”
The number of patrons present at the time of the collapse is unknown at the moment. Jet Set holds a total capacity of 2,000, per Resident Advisor, and regularly hosts concert events on Monday evenings.
“The loss of human life leaves us in a state of deep pain and dismay,” Jet Set shared in a statement.
This article was updated on April 8 at 1:15 p.m. EST to reflect the updated death roll and injury count.
From Rolling Stone US
