A shocking video recorded by attendees has surfaced showing the exact moment when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, a tragedy that has already claimed 79 confirmed lives and left dozens of people injured.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, offers a direct look at the magnitude of the disaster that has shocked the Dominican Republic and the Hispanic community in the United States.
Video confirms the chaos
The footage, which is only 40 seconds long, shows singer Rubby Perez and his orchestra on stage before part of the ceiling collapsed onto the dance floor, causing a stampede and panicked screams.
Despite the intensity of the impact, Rubby Perez survived the collapse, remaining for more than 14 hours under the rubble, although he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Rubby Pérez’s saxophonist was also one of the fatalities.
This tragedy has already claimed more than 70 lives
QueOnnda.com
The video, in addition to confirming the moment of the collapse at the Jet Set discotheque, is key for the authorities investigating the structural causes of the collapse.
Specialists from the Emergency Operations Center(COE) and the Ministry of Public Works are analyzing the remains of the building, while rescue efforts continue.
Figures among the victims
Among the deceased are Octavio Dotel, former Major League Baseball pitcher, and Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province.
Both were confirmed as victims by official sources.
Dotel, 51, was rescued from the rubble of the Jet Set nightclub, but died while being transported to the hospital.
His loss has been especially felt by the Dominican community in the U.S., where he left his mark during his MLB career.
Governor Cruz was attending the event as part of a social activity.
The death of Rubby Pérez, the merenguero who was singing at the time of the collapse, was also confirmed.
As well as the death of former Major Baseball League (MBL) player Tony Blanco.
Reactions
From cities such as New York, Miami and Boston, where thousands of Dominicans reside, the tragedy has generated great consternation.
Community leaders and organizations have expressed their solidarity with the affected families.
The Dominican consulate in New York has set up a hotline for U.S. residents seeking information about family members involved in the incident.
This tragedy has raised new alerts about safety in nightlife establishments and the need for more rigorous structural inspections.
The video of the collapse of the Jet Set discotheque has served not only as evidence, but also as a wake-up call for authorities and businessmen.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
