Dominican Republic: Governor amongst 79 killed, several injured as nightclub roof collapses; toll likely to rise
PTC News Desk: At least 79 people killed and several injured after roof of an iconic nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic's capital early Tuesday during a packed merengue concert with several key politicians and high profile leaders in attendance.
Among those killed in the incident include a popular singer, a provincial governor, and former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel.
????????????13 DEAD, 93 INJURED IN NIGHTCLUB ROOF COLLAPSE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
This comes after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed earlier this morning.
The national police confirmed the death toll and said search and rescue… pic.twitter.com/yAdkTqw8yX — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 8, 2025
Emergency responders quickly rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Drills and wooden planks were used to navigate through rubble in desperate search for survivors. More than 12 hours after the collapse, the search remained active.
"We presume that many of them are still alive," said Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the country's Centre of Emergency Operations. "That is why the authorities will not give up until no one is left under the rubble".
Among the dead was Nelsy Cruz, Governor of Montecristi province and sister of Major League Baseball player Nelson Cruz. The Dominican Republic’s professional baseball league confirmed that former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel was also among those killed. Dotel was pulled from the rubble alive but died shortly after being transported to a hospital.
Authorities have launched investigation into the matter to ascertain the cause of the collapse. The club which is a long-standing venue in the capital had no immediate history pertaining to safety violation. Though officials are also investigation from the angle of negligence or structural defects.
- With inputs from agencies
