Death toll exceeds 180 in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse updated

At least 184 people have been confirmed dead after the roof of a popular nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, according to updated figures released by local authorities on April 10.

The incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub, a well-known venue in the city. An additional 155 people were taken to the hospital with injuries following the collapse, officials said, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Around 20 bodies remain trapped under the rubble. Recovery operations are still under way, and the identification of the deceased is ongoing.

10:11 (April 9)

At least 98 people were killed, and 160 others injured when the roof of an iconic nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a merengue concert on April 8.

The tragic incident took place at the one-story Jet Set nightclub, which was packed with politicians, athletes, and other attendees at the time, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Center for Emergency Operations, confirmed that rescue teams were actively searching the rubble for survivors. "We continue clearing debris and searching for people," Méndez said Tuesday night. "We’re going to search tirelessly for people."

Nearly 12 hours after the collapse, emergency crews were still working through the debris, attempting to rescue trapped individuals. The sound of drills and concrete being cut filled the air as workers carefully lifted heavy pieces of debris with sawed wood planks. Rescuers remained hopeful, with Méndez emphasizing that three areas of the nightclub were receiving priority attention, as faint cries for help were heard from beneath the rubble.

Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Montecristi province and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. She had called President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m., informing him that she was trapped after the roof collapsed. First lady Raquel Abraje later confirmed that Cruz passed away in the hospital.

The collapse also injured at least 160 individuals, including national lawmaker Bray Vargas. Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the incident occurred, was initially thought to have been rescued, but Méndez later clarified that rescue teams were still searching for him.

Meanwhile, family members of the victims gathered at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, where officials provided photos of the deceased for identification.

16:51 (April 8)

At least 15 people have been confirmed dead following a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's National District, according to local police. 

The incident, which occurred early on April 8, has left authorities searching through the debris for survivors, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The cause of the collapse at the popular nightclub remains unclear. Local media reports suggest the disaster occurred during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Perez.

Emergency response teams have transferred 101 people to various hospitals, with the number of injured likely higher, as some ambulances carried multiple victims at once.

Juan Manuel Mendez, Director of the nation's Emergency Management Operations, provided an update on Instagram at around 8 a.m. "We are still working, searching for people in the rubble. We presume that many of them are still alive, and that's why the authorities here with their teams will not stop until we find the last person in that rubble," Mendez said in a video posted to the Dominican Republic National Police's Instagram page.

Rubby Perez was found in the aftermath and is reported to be in stable condition, according to his manager, Evelio Herrera, who shared the news on Instagram. "Let’s keep praying that more people continue to appear alive," Herrera added.

Photos from local media show the aftermath of the collapse, with images of a fragmented roof, crumbled cement walls, and piles of debris.

Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó expressed her condolences, writing on X: "Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones."

The city's national disaster response committee is actively engaged in the ongoing rescue efforts.

By Aghakazim Guliyev