John AdoyiPresident Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has declared three days of national mourning following the tragic collapse of a popular nightclub roof in the capital, Santo Domingo, which has killed at least 98 people and leaving many others trapped under the rubble. The devastating incident occurred early Tuesday during a concert by renowned singer Rubby Pérez at the Jet Set Night Club. Reports indicate that Pérez was among those trapped when the structure gave way.
The declaration was made through Decree 194-25 of the country’s constitution, which mandates that the Dominican flag be flown at half-mast on all military and public buildings nationwide in honor of the victims.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” President Abinader wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
READ ALSO: Dominican Republic To Deport 10,000 Haitian Migrants Weekly
Media reports suggest that the nightclub was packed with over 500 attendees, including politicians and other prominent figures. Disturbing video footage circulating on social media shows Pérez performing when a man suddenly raised an alarm about debris falling from the ceiling. Seconds later, a loud crash was heard as the roof caved in.
Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, who is among the so far rescued, told reporters at the scene that the concert began shortly before midnight, with the roof collapsing almost an hour later, killing the group’s saxophonist.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, but authorities are working to determine whether structural failures or overcrowding contributed to the disaster. The night club said in a statement that it is cooperating with authorities to ascertain the cause. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE), confirmed the death toll and stated that rescue operations are ongoing to prevent further fatalities.
READ ALSO: List Of Countries Nigerian Passport Holders Can Visit With American Visa
“We will remain here until all families seeking help for their loved ones have been assisted,” Méndez assured, emphasising that all emergency response agencies are working in close coordination.
Over 22 state institutions, led by the COE, are operating in shifts—using heavy machinery, advanced rescue technology, and trained personnel—to search for survivors and clear debris.
So far, nearly 160 injured individuals have been rushed to local hospitals, where medical teams are working tirelessly to treat the wounded. The Armed Forces have also set up a blood bank to support hospitals in need of critical supplies.
