Tragedy Strikes: 79 Confirmed Dead in Roof Collapse in the Dominican Republic
A devastating incident occurred during a concert in the Dominican Republic, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 79 lives. The roof of a venue collapsed while the popular Merengue singer, Rubby Pérez, was performing, leading to chaos and destruction as debris fell onto the audience.
Reports indicate that Pérez, a well-known figure in Latin America at the age of 69, was among those injured in the disaster. His daughter, Zulinka, confirmed that he survived the ordeal but has sustained injuries and remains trapped in the wreckage.
One notable victim of the collapse was Octavio Dotel, a prominent Dominican baseball player. Dotel was rescued from the debris but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. Additionally, the governor of Montecristi province, Nelsy Cruz, lost her life in the incident. Her brother, Major League Baseball player Nelson Cruz, expressed his sorrow through a heartfelt message on social media, highlighting her dedication to serving the community.
The cause of the roof collapse is still under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed the number of people present in the nightclub at the time of the incident. Estimates suggest that between 500 and 1,000 individuals may have been attending the concert.
Eyewitness accounts describe the horrifying moments leading up to the disaster. Enrique Paulino, the manager of Rubby Pérez, recounted the suddenness of the event, likening it to an earthquake as he scrambled for safety. He mentioned the loss of one of their saxophonists and the desperate attempts to reach Pérez amidst the overwhelming debris.
Another eyewitness, Iris Peña, shared her experience on a local television network, recalling how dust and plaster fell from the ceiling before the roof gave way. She and her son managed to escape just in time, describing the impact as reminiscent of a tsunami or earthquake.
Rescue efforts quickly mobilized, with approximately 400 personnel searching for survivors amid the rubble. Advanced equipment, including thermal imaging cameras, was deployed in hopes of locating anyone still alive. Authorities remain committed to the rescue operation, stating that they would continue as long as there is hope of finding survivors. Community members have also rallied to donate blood for the injured.
In the wake of this tragedy, the nightclub has assured that it is cooperating fully with authorities to aid the victims and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. President Luis Abinader visited the site of the disaster, expressing his condolences and emphasizing the ongoing support provided by rescue teams.