Thu Apr 10 07:07:42 UTC 2025: ## Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Kills at Least 184

**Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic** – A devastating roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during a merengue concert has claimed the lives of at least 184 people and injured more than 200. Rescue efforts are ongoing, though hope of finding survivors is dwindling, with no survivors located since Tuesday afternoon.

The tragedy unfolded early Tuesday when the roof of the packed nightclub, filled with musicians, athletes, and government officials, suddenly gave way. Among the victims are renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez, former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, and Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province. Other notable casualties include a retired UN official, a New York-based fashion designer, and several government officials and their family members.

Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and soldiers, arrived swiftly, activating 77 ambulances within 30 minutes of the initial calls. Rescue crews utilized search dogs and thermal cameras, extracting 145 survivors from the rubble. However, the death toll continues to rise as crews sift through the debris. Dozens of families remain desperately searching for missing loved ones.

Doctors at Santo Domingo hospitals are treating more than two dozen critically injured patients, warning that some face life-threatening conditions due to severe skull, femur, and pelvic fractures. The Health Minister, Dr. Víctor Atallah, expressed concern about the limited time available to save those in critical condition.

The government has transitioned to a recovery phase focused on recovering bodies, but authorities insist the search for potential survivors continues. The cause of the collapse remains unclear, and investigations into the building’s safety and the last inspection date are pending. The nightclub has issued a statement of cooperation with the authorities, but questions regarding building inspections remain unanswered by relevant government bodies. A full investigation is promised once the recovery phase is complete.

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