Tragedy struck the Dominican Republic on Tuesday with the collapse of the roof of the emblematic Jet Set discotheque in Santo Domingo, which so far has left 27 people dead, according to the Emergency Operations Center(COE).
The incident occurred during the early hours of the morning while the well-known merenguero Rubby Pérez was performing at one of the traditional Monday parties. The incident occurred suddenly, and in a matter of minutes, the place was in chaos.
More than 150 affected
According to COE director, General Juan Manuel Méndez, more than 134 people were taken to hospitals after the collapse of the Jet Set discotheque.
The number of people affected is estimated to be between 150 and 160.
Although a definitive count is not yet available, since many of the injured mobilized by their own means.
More than 200 rescuers from different agencies were deployed in the area, located on Independencia Avenue.
Among them are the National Police, the National Emergency Attention System 9-1-1, Firefighters, Civil Defense, and the Ministry of Defense.
Rescue efforts continue unabated in the hope of finding survivors in the rubble.
Victims identified
One of the most shocking deaths was that of the governor of the province of Montecristi, Nelsy Cruz, who was among those attending the Jet Set discotheque.
President Luis Abinader, accompanied by his wife and members of his cabinet, personally went to the site to express his solidarity and to verify the emergency work.
All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly
Luis Abinader, República Dominicana's president
Relatives await news
Buzzy
Around the Jet Set discotheque, dozens of desperate relatives await news of their loved ones.
The scene is marked by pain, uncertainty and the cry for justice.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF), where formal identification is being carried out.
The authorities have initiated a technical investigation to determine the causes of the collapse.
The Jet Set nightclub was considered one of the most iconic nightclubs in the country, with decades of history and frequent visits from entertainment and political personalities.
This tragic event has had a profound impact on both the Dominican Republic and the Hispanic community in the U.S., where many families have ties to the Caribbean country.
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