At least 79 people have died after the roof collapsed at a nightclub in the capital of the Dominican Republic, authorities said.
At least 160 people were injured, with crews searching for potential survivors in the rubble of the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, said Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Centre of Emergency Operations.
“We continue clearing debris and searching for people,” he said. “We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”
Rescue workers were prioritising three areas in the club, he said, adding: “We’re hearing some sounds.”
The cause of the roof collapse is not yet clear.
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northern Montecristi province, is among those to have died.
Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher who won a world championship with the St Louis Cardinals and played for 13 teams in a 15-year career, was also among the victims.
Dotel, 51, died en route to a local hospital after being pulled from the debris, a spokesman for the nation’s sports ministry said
Meanwhile, the injured include Dominican singer Rubby Perez, who was performing when the roof collapsed.
His manager Enrique Paulino, whose shirt was spattered with blood, 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.
Mr Paulino said: “It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner.”
He added that he initially thought there had been an earthquake.
Dominican singer Rubby Perez in New York in 2012. Pic: AP
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader wrote on X: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Mr Abinader arrived at the scene and hugged those looking for friends and family, some with tears streaming down their faces.
He did not speak to reporters.
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An official with a megaphone stood outside the club imploring the large crowd, which had gathered to search for friends and relatives, to give ambulances space.
“You have to cooperate with authorities… please,” he said.
“We are removing people.”
At one hospital where the injured were taken, an official stood outside reading aloud the names of survivors as a crowd gathered around her and shouted out the names of their loved ones.
