In a devastating incident, at least 27 people have lost their lives following a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set discotheque in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The tragic event unfolded just after midnight during a lively concert featuring the acclaimed merengue artist Rubby Pérez, drawing a large crowd eager for entertainment.

As the dust settles on this grim scene, reports indicate that over 150 individuals have sustained injuries, with many requiring urgent medical attention. Rescue operations are ongoing, with approximately 400 dedicated search and rescue workers tirelessly combing through the rubble in hopes of locating survivors.

Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE), stated that efforts to retrieve those trapped beneath the debris are a priority. He expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that some individuals may still be alive under the wreckage. Emergency services have already transported more than 100 individuals to nearby hospitals, highlighting the scale of the chaos that ensued after the collapse.

Eyewitness accounts and social media footage provide harrowing glimpses of the moments leading up to the disaster. One clip captures concertgoers enjoying the performance, with some dancing while Rubby Pérez engages the audience. However, an unsettling exchange occurs just moments before the collapse, with a man noting that “something fell from the ceiling.” Shortly thereafter, panic erupts as the footage cuts to black, punctuated by the anguished scream of a woman calling out for her father.

The scene within the nightclub was reportedly packed prior to the collapse, with one of Pérez's band members recalling the chaotic moment as reminiscent of an earthquake. Tragically, the singer's daughter has confirmed that her father was among those trapped, further adding to the heart-wrenching stories of families affected by the disaster.

The Jet Set, known for its vibrant nightlife and regular dance music concerts, has now become the site of one of the deadliest incidents in the country’s recent history. President Luis Abinader has publicly conveyed his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, as the nation mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event.

As investigations begin to uncover the cause of the roof collapse, questions linger about safety regulations in popular venues, making this a pivotal moment for nightlife safety in the Dominican Republic. The tragedy has thrown into sharp relief the urgent need for comprehensive inspections and regulations to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.