SANTO DOMENGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — At least 18 people have been killed and more than 120 people were injured after the roof fell at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic capital early Tuesday, authorities said.
Juan Manuel Mendes, director of the Emergency Business Center, said the crew were looking for potential survivors of the tile rub in Santo Domingo’s jet set.
“We think a lot of them are still alive, which is why the authorities here won’t give until one person remains under that tile ble,” he said.
Montecristi Governor Nelsy Cruz was one of the victims. Meanwhile, the injured include meringue singer Rubby Pérez, who was playing when the roof collapsed, officials said.
His manager, Enrique Paulino, told reporters on the scene that blood had splashed around his shirt, but the concert began shortly before midnight.
“It happened so fast. I managed to throw myself into the corner,” he said, adding that he initially thought it was an earthquake.
President Lewis Abinader wrote to X that all rescue agencies are “deep tirelessly” to help those affected.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that took place at Jetset Nightclub. We trace the incident every minute of it happened,” he writes.
Abinader arrived on scene and hugged people looking for friends and family. He didn’t talk to the reporters.
Officials with megaphones stood outside the club and begged the large crowd of people gathered to search for friends and relatives to provide ambulances.
“We have to work with the authorities,” he said. “We’re excluded people.”
At one hospital where the injured were taken, the official stood outside, reading the names of the survivors aloud as the crowd gathered around her and yelled the names of their loved ones.
It was not immediately clear why the roof had collapsed.
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