NewsDeadly club collapse in Dominican Republic: 98 killed, mourning declared

Deadly club collapse in Dominican Republic: 98 killed, mourning declared

A tragic accident occurred in the Dominican Republic at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, where the roof collapsed during a performance by Rubby Perez. At least 98 people died, including notable figures. The president declared a three-day national mourning period.

Nearly 100 people died in a club disaster in the Dominican Republic.
Nearly 100 people died in a club disaster in the Dominican Republic.
Images source: © Agence France-Presse | Francesco Spotorno

The tragedy happened early Tuesday morning in Santo Domingo when the roof of the Jet Set club collapsed during a performance by Rubby Perez, a well-known merengue singer. According to the Associated Press, at least 98 people perished in the disaster.

National mourning in the Dominican Republic

The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, declared three days of national mourning. Authorities emphasize that it is too early to determine the causes of the tragedy. The owners of the Jet Set club have pledged to cooperate with the authorities to identify the cause of the disaster.

According to AFP, between 500 and 1000 people could have been in the club when the roof collapsed. This is one of the greatest misfortunes to have struck the Dominican Republic in recent years. In 2023, the building was struck by lightning, and it underwent renovations in 2010 and 2015.

Who died in the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo?

The disaster claimed at least 98 lives, including the artist’s daughter, who managed to escape, and Perez himself, who did not survive.

Among the victims were also the governor of Monte Cristi, Nelsy Cruz, and Octavio Dotel, a well-known Dominican baseball player. A total of 370 rescuers were dispatched to the scene, working for nearly 12 hours to pull survivors from the rubble. A crowd of people gathered nearby, trying to learn about the fate of their loved ones.

Rubby Perez was a popular merengue singer known for hits such as "Buscando Tus Besos" and "Dame Veneno". His YouTube channel garnered over 125 million views. In February, the artist released a music video for the song "No Voy a Llorar".

Sources: muzyka.interia.pl, tvn24.pl

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