A devastating roof collapse at the Jet Set discotheque in Santo Domingo has left at least 27 people dead and more than 150 injured. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, during a live performance by beloved merengue artist Rubby Pérez.

Approximately 400 search and rescue personnel have been deployed to the scene, working tirelessly to locate survivors and assist the injured. Emergency Operations Centre (COE) director Juan Manuel Méndez reported that ambulances have made more than 100 trips transporting victims to nearby hospitals. He expressed hope that individuals still trapped beneath the rubble may be found alive.

Dramatic footage from inside the club moments before the collapse has surfaced online. In the video, a man is seen pointing to the ceiling, warning someone beside him that debris was beginning to fall. Rubby Pérez can also be seen glancing upward just 30 seconds before the roof gave way.

One of Pérez’s band members told local media they initially believed they were experiencing an earthquake. Pérez’s daughter confirmed that the singer was briefly trapped inside the building but was later found alive and safe.

Authorities continue their search and recovery efforts as the nation grapples with the aftermath of one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in its history.

Source: BBC