Santo Domingo Nightclub Disaster’s Death Toll to 124
Relatives of the victims of the disaster at the Jet Set Nightclub, Santo Domingo, April 9, 2025. X/ @TelemundoNews
April 9, 2025 Hour: 11:29 am
The incident at the Jet Set nightclub happened while merengue singer Rubby Perez was performing.
On Wednesday, the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) raised the death toll to 124 from the accident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when the roof of a well-known nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed.
RELATED:
So far, authorities have rescued 155 people from the rubble and transported them to various hospitals, COE Director Gen. Juan Mendez said.
The incident at the Jet Set nightclub happened while merengue singer Rubby Perez was performing. His body was recovered in the early hours of Wednesday.
In response to the tragedy, President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning from April 8 to 10. During this time, the National Flag is to be flown at half-mast at military facilities and public buildings across the country.
The accident occurred during a blackout, while singer Rubby Perez was performing and a crowd of spectators was enjoying the merengue show. Rescue and emergency forces were immediately deployed, consisting of more than 400 responders who worked for 12 continuous hours at the scene, using heavy machinery and trained dogs.
The deaths of several notable individuals present at the scene have been confirmed, including Rubby Perez, former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel, Montecristi province governor Nelsy Cruz, and fashion designer Martin Polanco.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities present here will not rest until there is not a single person left under that rubble,” Mendez said.
According to preliminary investigations, the building had structural problems prior to the incident, as a fire had previously damaged part of the facilities.
Although some repair work was carried out, the structural condition was never publicly verified, nor was a clear report issued on the measures taken to ensure public safety.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
