At least 98 dead, over 160 injured following roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub Jet Set

At least 98 people have died following a collapsed roof at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

According to CNN , the collapse happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning (8th April) during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez.

There were at least 300 people in attendance at the concert, and 223 people are reported to have been injured in the roof collapse, including Pérez, according to the National Emergency System. Former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel was also among the victims. It is not yet known what caused the collapse.

“We continue clearing debris and searching for people,” Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, told CNN. “We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”

Jet Set, one of the capital’s most popular nightclubs, have shared a statement confirming they are “transparently collaborating” with the authorities.

“In this difficult time, our prayers are with each of the affected families. We share in their pain as if it were our own because we are also in mourning,” read the translated statement. “We are fully and transparently collaborating with the competent authorities to help the victims and clarify what happened. From the very beginning, we have activated all possible mechanisms to provide support to those affected.”

The venue have shared information about a blood drive for the victims on its Facebook.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has declared three days of mourning, issuing a statement to X: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts.”