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The number of fatalities from the collapse of the roof at the nightclub Jet Set in the Dominican Republic has risen to 184 people, according to the official bulletin issued by the government on Wednesday night. The tragic event occurred in the early hours of Tuesday during a concert by the iconic merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who is among the deceased.
The emergency occurred around 1:00 a.m., during the height of the party, when the ceiling of the venue collapsed suddenly. More than 300 rescue workers from at least 22 institutions are tirelessly engaged in rescue efforts, as confirmed by the Emergency Operations Center (COE). So far, 155 people have been taken to health facilities.
Authorities emphasized that the operation remains active, with human, technical, and logistical resources deployed on-site.
Among the deceased are well-known figures such as the merengue artist Rubby Pérez, former Major League player Octavio Dotel, also baseball player Tony Blanco, Governor Nelsy Cruz, and fashion designer Martín Polanco. The death of at least one American citizen and one legal resident has also been reported. President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast. In his statement, the president expressed his solidarity with the affected families and acknowledged the dedication of the rescue teams that have not stopped their efforts since the moment of the collapse.
Cristóbal Moya, one of the survivors, recounted to Univisión how he managed to escape with his life. “God gave me a second chance,” he stated from the hospital. He shared that he was trapped under the debris, unable to move, until a stranger rescued him. “There was a good Samaritan who spoke to me and told me not to worry, that he was going to get me out,” he recalled.
Another witness, the young Venezuelan Javier Carwin, told Telemundo 51 that he thought he was going to die. “I heard a loud noise, everything went dark. I just ran,” he said emotionally. Carwin, who had recently emigrated to Santo Domingo, has still not been able to locate the people he shared the night with.
The tragedy has mobilized the Dominican diaspora abroad. In Miami, a vigil was held at Juan Pablo Duarte Park in the Allapattah neighborhood, where residents lit candles and listened to music by Rubby Pérez in their honor. The atmosphere was one of shared sorrow, especially among those who knew the artist and other deceased individuals closely. “People went out to have fun, and this happened. This shouldn't happen,” lamented a Dominican resident in Florida.
The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his regret about the situation and confirmed his country's readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to the Dominican Republic.
The authorities have activated the hotline *462 to provide information to the families of the victims. In addition, blood donation points have been set up at the National Hematology Center, the parking lot of the General Customs Directorate, and the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center. Psychologists and medical personnel are offering support in the affected area.
Rubby Pérez was found dead under the rubble, after hours of searching. His death has caused great shock within the artistic community. “The best singer the genre has ever produced,” described him Wilfrido Vargas. Milly Quezada remembered him as “the highest voice of our merengue” and an icon of the Dominican Republic.
The authorities, for their part, urge the public to stay informed exclusively through official channels, while work continues at the disaster site. It is not ruled out that the number of victims may continue to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Collapse at the Jet Set Nightclub in the Dominican Republic
How many people died in the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub?
The official number of fatalities due to the collapse of the roof at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic has risen to 184 people, according to the bulletin issued by the government. This tragic accident has left a deep impact on the country and the international community.
Which recognized figures passed away in the incident?
Among the deceased are notable figures such as the merengue artist Rubby Pérez, former Major League player Octavio Dotel, baseball player Tony Blanco, Governor Nelsy Cruz, and fashion designer Martín Polanco. The loss of these individuals has caused significant shock in their respective communities.
What actions has the Dominican government taken following the tragedy?
The president, Luis Abinader, declared three days of national mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Additionally, the government has deployed human, technical, and logistical resources to continue the rescue and recovery efforts at the disaster site.
How has the international community reacted to the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub?
The international community has shown its solidarity with the Dominican Republic. United States, Puerto Rico, and Israel have expressed their willingness to provide humanitarian aid and collaborate in rescue operations. Additionally, vigils and expressions of support have spread across various parts of the world.
What measures have been taken to support the families of the victims?
The authorities have activated the line *462 to provide information to the families of the victims and have set up blood donation locations in several strategic areas. Additionally, psychologists and medical personnel are offering support in the affected area to assist those impacted.
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