Roof Collapse at Dominican Republic Nightclub Kills 98, Injures Over 150

GUWAHATI: At least 98 people are dead and over 150 others injured after a devastating roof cave-in at Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, in an early morning drama during a concert by hit merengue vocalist Rubby Pérez at a popular nightclub where high-profile concerts are common.

The Jet Set club is known for hosting popular public figures to show off during frequent high-profile acts.

Among the casualties were provincial governor Nelsy Cruz and retired Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, who unfortunately passed away while on his way to the hospital after he was rescued from the rubble.

Cruz, Monte Cristi province's governor, was the sister of Nelson Cruz, a seven-time MLB All-Star. Dotel enjoyed a long and productive baseball career, which started with the New York Mets in 1999 and continued with various teams such as the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.

Jet Set nightclub was crowded with hundreds of guests when suddenly the roof caved in at about 1 a.m. An eyewitness recounted the frightening moment when one of the members of Rubby Pérez's band quoted local media, saying, "I thought it was an earthquake." Rescue efforts kicked off immediately and involved close to 400 individuals in the effort to search for survivors. Officialdom has signaled that the fatalities could increase while the search lasts.

Video shot inside the building captures people appreciating the performance, sitting and dancing at tables to music just before the collapse. In one phone video posted on social media, a man standing close to the stage is heard shouting, "Something fell from the ceiling," gesturing upwards. Less than a second later, a massive crash is heard, and the video goes black, followed by a woman shouting, "Dad, what's happened to you?"

Emergency Operations Centre Head Juan Manuel Méndez has said rescue teams are optimistic that there could be other survivors trapped under the rubble. The accident has shaken the country to its core, with everyone converging near the nightclub in mourning, sobbing, and hugging each other.

President Abinader Luis Has offered condolences to the families of the victims. "We weep along with the whole country," he responded, recognizing the loss of those well-known and also the numerous others who had their lives shortened in the horrific collapse.

The singer Rubby Pérez's daughter confirmed that her father was one of those who were trapped initially, but his current status is unknown. While the probe goes on, doubts are emerging about the stability of the building and whether inspections for safety were done correctly.

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